F-35B Lightning jets have successfully completed a month-long mission in Iceland, marking their first deployment on a NATO air policing operation, according to a news release.
The stealth fighters from 617 Squadron, known as the ‘Dambusters,’ were stationed at Naval Air Station Keflavik for Operation Masterer, which involved safeguarding Icelandic airspace.
This mission is particularly significant as Iceland does not possess its own air force, leading NATO to provide air policing support for over 15 years.
The F-35Bs, which typically operate from RAF Marham or the decks of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, have now demonstrated their capabilities in a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) role.
This role involves responding to potentially hostile or unidentified aircraft, akin to the scramble orders issued during the Battle of Britain, say the Ministry of Defence here.
Lieutenant Sankey, the junior engineering officer for the squadron, noted that the deployment required adjustments to operational procedures to ensure that the F-35Bs were “cocked on” and ready for immediate take-off. He stated, “This is the first time the UK F-35B has been used for such a mission set, and it’s required us to push the boundary of existing operating procedures.”
Wing Commander Stuart Campbell, the commanding officer of 617 Squadron, reflected on the importance of this deployment, saying in the news release, “Completing Operation Masterer has been critical in re-validating our ability to deploy to and operate from an overseas land base.”
Following their successful mission in Iceland, the Dambusters will return to the UK to prepare for future operations, including an upcoming deployment on HMS Prince of Wales, as the carrier gears up for its maiden task group deployment in 2025.
good accomplishment -well done 617!