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Lightning flypast marks the 1000th rear fuselage for the global F-35 Lightning II programme

A pair of Lightning stealth fighters have undertaken a flypast over Samlesbury, Lancashire.

This marks the delivery of the 1000th rear fuselage for the global F-35 Lightning II programme manufactured at the site.

Image shows engineers working with aircraft parts in factory.

More than 1,500 employees work at BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing and technology hub which manufactures the rear fuselage for every F-35 built as part of the largest defence programme in the world. In addition over 100 tier one suppliers and numerous sub-tier suppliers also support the programme across the UK.

Image shows two RAF Lightning aircraft during flypast.

To date over 3,000 F-35s have been ordered by 17 customers work on the programme will continue at Samlesbury for many years to come.

The RAF Lightning aircraft from 207 Squadron, RAF Marham, included the flypast in a routine training sortie.

Read more about RAF Lightning aircraft