British F-35B jets complete their first month-long mission policing Nato skies in Iceland
Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots flying F-35B Lightnings have completed their month-long mission safeguarding Icelandic skies.
It was the first time the fifth-generation stealth fighters had taken on a Nato policing role, responding to Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties.
Pilots from 617 Squadron, based at RAF Marham, are used to flying from the decks of Royal Navy aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales, but never before had defended the alliance's airspace in the Arctic region.
For more than 15 years, Nato aircraft have patrolled and protected Iceland's skies as the nation does not have its own air force.
Four F-35Bs carried out Operation Masterer, deployed to Naval Air Station Keflavik, which is 24 miles from the capital, Reykjavik.
QRA is the RAF's response to hostile/unknown/rogue aircraft approaching the UK’s airspace – the modern-day equivalent of ringing the bell in the Battle of Britain and shouting "Scramble".
This was the first time the Lightning Force had been called on to perform "Q shouts", as the scrambles are known in the RAF, as previously the mission has typically been carried out by Typhoons.
As a result, junior engineering officer Lieutenant Sankey said the squadron had had to revise the way it works to have an F-35B immediately ready for take-off – known as being "cocked on".
He explained: "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 to design fast, safe and effective means of ensuring we have aircraft 'on state' for tasking 24/7.
"For the team this presented a steep learning curve, which they have overcome with huge enthusiasm knowing that what we have achieved here will shape how we use the F-35B both on land and embarked for future operations."
Wing Commander Stuart Campbell, 617's Commanding Officer, said the month in Iceland – coupled with the extensive preparations for the deployment – had added a feather to the F-35B's already impressive cap.
"Completing Operation Masterer has been critical in re-validating our ability to deploy to and operate for an overseas land base. The flexible capability of F-35B allows us to hold constant readiness to fly and fight from land or sea.
"I'm very proud of 617 Squadron in completing our first Nato Air Policing mission. Unlocking another capability for UK F-35B, the Dambusters have once again led from the front."
Once back in the UK, the Dambusters will prepare to join HMS Prince of Wales as the Portsmouth-based carrier gears up for her maiden deployment leading a task group east of Suez in 2025.
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