RAF's new state of the art fighter jet touches down at Fairford

RAF's new fighter jet touches down at Fairford Credit: ITV West Country

The RAF's new state of the art fighter jet has touched down for the first time at Fairford in Gloucestershire.

It is the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft and will eventually be flown off the Royal Navy's new carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

The F-35B Lightning is the world's most advanced stealth aircraft. The Ministry of Defence has bought eight of the jets so far, at a cost of a £100million each.

Four of them are currently in their test and evaluation stage - with the first one arriving at Fairford.

They are equipped with laser-guided missiles and bombs, and have a range of 1,300 miles. They'll fly over war zones after taking off from the carriers in the middle of the ocean.

They'll be based at RAF Marham, in Norfolk, and will be flown by Navy and RAF pilots of the new 617 Squadron.

Britain hopes to have 48 of the jets within eight years - and hopes to increase the fleet to 138. It's thought the first squadron of F-35s should be combat ready by 2018.

The public will be able to see the new jets at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford next month.