The Royal Air Force is taking part in Exercise Falcon Strike 25 in Italy, a multinational event focused on testing and improving fifth generation fighter operations in contested environments, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The deployment forms part of Operation Highmast, the UK’s eight month global air and maritime commitment spanning Europe, the Middle East and the Indo Pacific.
According to the organisation, the exercise is hosted by the Italian Air Force and includes participants from France, Greece, the United States and the United Kingdom. The training aims to improve integration between fourth and fifth generation aircraft, refine coalition tactics and strengthen logistics cooperation among F 35 operators. More than 50 aircraft from air, sea, land and cyber elements are involved.
Air and Space Commander Air Marshal Marshall said “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.”
He added that the exercise highlighted fifth generation capability as well as the professionalism that underpins joint missions.
Falcon Strike is part of the wider Operation Highmast deployment, centred on the Royal Navy’s carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales. The RAF stated that British air and space assets have operated across several regions since early 2025, supporting integrated air power and partnership building.
Air Marshal Marshall said “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.”
