An RAF F‑35 pilot has carried out the aircraft’s first combat shoot-down for the UK, intercepting and destroying two hostile drones during an operation over Jordan this week.
RAF F-35B shoots down an uncrewed aerial system
The pilot, flying alongside two Typhoons from RAF Akrotiri, detected the drones on radar and engaged them with two ASRAAM missiles. A squadron tactics instructor said correct identification was the priority due to the high number of allied aircraft operating in the region.
There are a lot of assets from America and Israel moving through the area. Identification comes first, and we had the time between myself and the Typhoons to confirm before engaging.
F-35 Pilot
Following the engagement the pilots focus immediately returned to ensuring no further threats were present.
You are more concerned about making sure you’ve shot the right thing and that the aircraft is positioned correctly for any follow‑on tasks.
F-35 Pilot
The incident followed a separate attack in which a small, low‑speed drone struck RAF Akrotiri after evading base defences. The pilot said this made detection and interception particularly challenging.
The two drones shot down were different to the earlier platform encountered at RAF Akrotiri, which has remained at a high state of alert. Several precautionary warnings have been issued in recent days, all confirmed as false alarms.
Despite the pace, crews remain focused on operations. After returning in the early hours, the team briefly regrouped before resuming duties.
We’re at a high operational tempo. When this ends, I’m sure we’ll mark the occasion appropriately, but for now it’s back to the job.
F-35 Pilot
RAF F‑35B jets shot down drones over Jordan, the first time a UK F‑35 has destroyed a target on operations, supported by Typhoons and a Voyager aircraft.
An RAF Regiment counter‑drone unit also neutralised drones in Iraqi airspace heading towards Coalition forces, and an RAF Typhoon operating with the joint UK‑Qatar 12 Squadron shot down an Iranian one‑way attack drone directed at Qatar earlier in the week.
The UK has confirmed it is sending four additional Typhoon jets to Qatar to support defensive operations in the region. These aircraft will join the existing jets from the UK‑Qatar Joint Typhoon Squadron deployed in January to reinforce regional security and protect British people and interests.
This decision follows recent defensive operations in which Typhoons successfully shot down drones threatening Qatari airspace.
The UK is also strengthening its wider defensive posture, with HMS Dragon deploying to the Eastern Mediterranean, and Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter‑drone missiles supporting ongoing activity.
We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days successfully taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend British interests.
The UK’s position remains clear: it will stand by its allies and take the necessary steps to defend its people and its interests.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP
