RAF's First Operational F-35B Squadron Celebrated With Flypast

The reformed 617 Squadron has been celebrated at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) with a flypast of the Lancaster, Tornado and F-35B aircraft.

The RIAT flypast formation was celebrating the air pioneers of the past while marking the future of air technology with aircraft such as the F-35.

617 Squadron was stood up as the first operational F-35B Lightning II squadron in the Royal Air Force in April.

The Squadron were known as the 'Dambusters' after night raids they carried out on German dams during World War Two.

The new formation will fly the F-35B aircraft.

The Officer Commanding 617 Squadron, Wing Commander John Butcher was at Fairford for the flypast:

"This weekend has commemorated the link between 617 Squadron’s origins and its formation for a very unique mission, and its reformation 75 years later for another unique purpose, to introduce the F-35 Lightning into service.

"This is a historic moment for the RAF and for Great Britain."

Wg Cdr Butcher was the first pilot to land when the UK's F-35B aircraft arrived on British soil last month: