U.S., European allies map out larger role for F-35 fighter

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Air Force F-35 fighter jets fly over the Mediterranean Sea during an aerial show as part of the celebrations for Israel's Independence Day marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the state, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2018. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

FARNBOROUGH, England (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet is arriving in growing numbers in Europe, and is poised to play a much broader role in missile defence and other warfare plans than conventional fighters, according to U.S. and European officials.

After years of technical challenges and programme delays, the F-35, the world's most expensive arms programme, is rapidly gaining a foothold in the United States and Europe.