The Royal Air Force has joined allied Air Forces in Italy for Exercise Falcon Strike 25, a multinational live-fly exercise designed to test and enhance fifth-generation fighter capabilities in complex, contested environments. The exercise forms part of the UK’s wider contribution to Operation Highmast, an eight-month global deployment spanning Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
Led by the Italian Air Force, Falcon Strike brings together participants from France, Greece, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with a focus on integrating fourth and fifth-generation aircraft, refining coalition tactics and strengthening logistics cooperation among F-35 users.
“Exercise Falcon Strike is another outstanding demonstration of how far our collaboration with the Italian Air Force has come. Training side-by-side with our Italian colleagues strengthens interoperability, deepens mutual understanding and ensures that both nations remain ready to deliver decisive air power whenever and wherever it’s needed. This exercise showcased not only fifth-generation capability, but the trust and professionalism that underpin every mission we fly together.”
Air Marshal Allan Marshall, Air and Space Commander
Falcon Strike is the latest chapter in Operation Highmast, the UK’s strategic deployment initiative that has seen British air and space assets operate across multiple theatres since early 2025. The operation has been led by the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, centred on HMS Prince of Wales, with the RAF working in close collaboration to deliver integrated air power across regions.
“Over the past eight months, the Royal Air Force has delivered a truly global contribution through Operation Highmast from the UK to the Mediterranean, across the Middle East and deep into the Indo-Pacific. This has been a sustained demonstration of reach, resilience and relevance: projecting air and space power, strengthening partnerships and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to regional security. As ourcrews now operate alongside allies once again here in Italy, the success of Highmast speaks to the professionalism and determination of every person involved.”
Air Marshal Marshall
Running from 3–14 November, Falcon Strike will see UK assets including the F-35B Lightning, Voyager and the Carrier Strike Group participate in high-intensity mission scenarios designed to simulate real-world threats and coalition operations.