F-35s and Typhoon jets went up against other aircraft over the North Sea recently as part of a Fighter Integration Exercise.
It is understood that the training is designed to utilise a combination of assets to better prepare for more seamless war-time integration performance.
F-35Bs from 207 Squadron RAF Marham have joined 1 (F) Squadron Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth to conduct a Fighter Integration exercise, flying against IX (B) Squadron Typhoons and Draken Europe FA20 aircraft over the North Sea.
Lightnings from @RAF_Marham & Typhoons from @RAFLossiemouth have conducted a Fighter Integration exercise against IX(B) Sqn Typhoons and @Draken_Europe FA20 aircraft over the North Sea.
These skills are vital to protect the UK & support @NATO & our allies. #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/lUhToIr8v3
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) April 20, 2022
The Royal Air Force says that this exercise allowed the pilots to practise the key skills required for obtaining control of the air in a heavily contested kinetic and electronic warfare environment, “utilising the powerful 4th Generation Typhoon FGR4 to augment the highly capable 5th Generation F-35B Lightning”.
“These skills are vital in order to protect the territories and interests of the UK and support our NATO, European and Worldwide partners in any future conflict.”
I know it’s not the most relevant information but I would dogs to know what kind of exchange ratios the F35 B and Typhoon were getting against each other. If the red flag data is accurate you would expect F35 B to be killing multiple typhoons but maybe E scan might tip it back towards typhoon.
There weren’t putting there skills against each other but integration of sensors to control air space against a mock peer aggressor provided by Draken international FA 20 aircraft.
Out of interest why have they chosen Drakens in this role is it that they are a good and specific mimic for potential enemy aircraft or more that they are just convenient being the most easily obtained cheap but non standard aircraft for this sort of role.
They don’t use Saab Drakens.
Draken Aviation is the name of the company. It used to be called Cobhams Aviation.
They currently use Falcon F20s in the U.K.
They will soon also be using L-159E aircraft.
Not sure what the L159 really brings to the party other than being cheap to procure and operate, seems to mimic a low end threat.
It says IX squadron Typhoons were being used in the aggressor role – part of their current remit as well as QRA – so Martin’s question is valid I think.
As far as I know, none of our Typhoons have got the Radar 2 yet. I would still expect the F35 to perform better at BVR than Typhoon, even if it had the new radar fitted. The F35’s stealth will play a massive part in prevent the Typhoon from seeing it. Especially as the Typhoon is far from a stealthy aircraft itself.
I believe the Thypoon has a low frontal radar signature Davey, buried engines and radar dish angled away when not in use etc.
Apparently the Captor M is no slouch either in it’s current upgraded format, it’s been proven to be surprisingly effective at detection of low observable aircraft too, probably not good enough to stop an F35 getting a simulated shot off before it’s tracked though!
I agree with you comment but the Typhoon does have some things going for it. The new radar teamed with PIRATE, new radars EW capabilities, Bright Cloud decoys, thrust and 15000 ft service ceiling advantage. Tactics would be key in defeating a stealthy opponent.
Typhoons will get Radar 2 in the future but F35 will get Meteor too. Given F35 with Meteor and its stealth I suspect it would be more then a match fore any 4th generation opponent at BVR range.
The Typhoons PIRATE can detect out to a reported 50-90km. its no coincidence that after some Typhoon v Raptor mock engagements the USAF has procured IRST system for some of its airframes.
The Typhoon also has a higher service ceiling by 15,0000ft I believe, so with the right tactics the F35 would be firing Meteor upwards reducing its range. I agree the F35 would have the advantage but using a combination of sensors and tactics would reduce the advantage.
…which is precisely what these exercises are for!
Know your enemy….ok, not F35s but Chinese copies etc
AA