Fighter jet crews from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy are fully prepared for a significant international deployment as the UK's F-35 Lightning Force steps confidently toward declaring full operational capability.
The cutting-edge F-35 jets, operated by 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron RAF, will take to the skies aboard the HMS Prince of Wales for Operation Highmast, also known as Carrier Strike Group 25.
This dynamic mission will not only showcase the UK's advanced carrier strike capabilities but also assert the Royal Navy's flagship and UK jets as they travel through the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific. This represents a crucial turning point for the F-35 program, affirming the UK's power to project air superiority anywhere in the world, in the air, at sea or from land.
Operation Highmast is poised to be a landmark event, with plans to declare full operational capability (FOC) for both the jets and the Carrier Strike Group within the year.
"Achieving full operational capability is a substantial leap for 809. It empowers us to operate independently on a global scale at the request of the UK Government, delivering decisive air power from both land bases and aircraft carriers.”
Commander Nick Smith
809 Squadron
While the F-35 jets have already proven their mettle in operational settings, this new capability will enable sustained deployment of multiple squadrons from land and sea, enhancing the UK's rapid response capabilities significantly.
Group Captain Butcher, Commander of the Lightning Air Wing noted, “Operation Highmast marks a pivotal milestone for the Lightning program. We are on track to achieve full operational capability for F-35 in the UK, with the ability to deploy two squadrons to the maritime operating base.”
The 809 Naval Air Squadron, known as The Immortals, was re-established in December 2023 and consists of top-tier personnel from both the Royal Navy and RAF, exemplifying the strength of joint force operations. Commander Smith asserted, “about half of our personnel are from the Royal Air Force, and the other half are from the Royal Navy. We operate as a cohesive unit within the UK Combat Air Force.”
During Operation Highmast, 809 Squadron will collaborate with 617 Squadron, in the largest F-35 Lightning deployment the UK has seen to date. This mission will involve exercises with allies across Europe and Asia, solidifying the UK's crucial role in NATO and global defence.
Lieutenant Colonel Carty, in command of 617 Squadron, underscored the strategic importance of this deployment for the UK’s defence capabilities. “The F-35 program is imperative to our defence. Its cooperation with Typhoon enhances our combat effectiveness considerably,” he stated with confidence.
As the first Royal Marine to command a UK fighter squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Carty took pride in the collaborative nature of their operations.
“Partnering with other F-35 nations, especially our NATO allies, significantly extends our reach and potency around the world."
Lieutenant Colonel Carty
The deployment is set to demonstrate the impressive interoperability of the UK's F-35 squadrons with allied forces, particularly in high-end strike operations and defensive missions from sea-based platforms.
“Whether operating in Europe or the Indo-Pacific, we are fully equipped to work seamlessly with all partners flying F-35s.”
Group Captain Butcher
The F-35B Lightning is a formidable multi-role aircraft capable of executing air-to-surface strikes, electronic warfare, and intelligence gathering—all at once. The Lightning Force, based at RAF Marham and comprising elite personnel from both the RAF and Royal Navy, oversees operations involving the UK's F-35B aircraft. To date, the UK has received 38 of the anticipated 48 fifth-generation fighter jets, with a clear pathway to achieving full operational capacity of 74 aircraft by 2033.
As the UK steps into this extensive deployment, the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning, alongside its collaboration with allies, will play a pivotal role in fortifying the nation’s defence posture on the global stage, ensuring readiness and resilience in an ever-evolving security environment.
