UK F-35 Lightning Force prepares for full operational capability on CSG25
Fighter jet crews from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are gearing up for a major international deployment as the UK's F-35 Lightning Force prepares to declare full operational capability.
The aircraft – flown by 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron Royal Air Force – will deploy aboard HMS Prince of Wales on Operation Highmast, better known as Carrier Strike Group 25.
The global mission is set to demonstrate the UK's carrier strike capabilities and will take the Royal Navy's flagship, and the jets on board, through the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indo-Pacific.
This marks a pivotal moment for the F-35 programme, as the UK looks to cement its ability to deliver air power from both land and sea – anywhere in the world.
Group Captain John Butcher, Commander of the Lightning Air Wing, said: "The Lightning Air Wing personnel are deploying onto HMS Prince of Wales for Operation Highmast.
"And as we have proven in years gone by, we are able to deploy to the maritime base, integrate completely seamlessly with our Royal Navy counterparts and to fly and fight together."
Operation Highmast is expected to be a key milestone for both the jet and the Carrier Strike Group, with plans to declare full operational capability – known as FOC – for both this year.
Commander Nick Smith, Officer Commanding 809 Naval Air Squadron, described the moment as the culmination of months of preparation.
"The full operating capability is a big step for 809," he said.
"It will see us be able to operate independently anywhere around the world at the request of the UK Government – delivering air power either from land bases ashore or from the sea from an aircraft carrier."
The F-35 Lightning jet has already been deployed in operational theatres, but full capability will allow for sustained deployment of multiple squadrons from both land and sea, enabling the UK to project power globally at short notice.
Gp Capt Butcher said: "Operation Highmast signifies a major milestone for the Lightning programme. It will realise full operational capability for F-35 in the UK with the ability to deploy two squadrons to the maritime operating base.
"We are looking to declare a carrier strike full operating capability, of which F-35 forms a key part in the ability to strike our targets at range."
809 Naval Air Squadron – known as The Immortals – was reformed in December 2023. Despite the naval badge, the squadron is made up of personnel from both the Royal Navy and RAF, in an example of true joint force capability.
"We are a truly joint team," said Cdr Smith. "Approximately 50% of our personnel come from the Royal Air Force and the other half from the Royal Navy… we work very closely as part of the UK Combat Air Force."
Operation Highmast will see 809 Squadron deploy alongside 617 Squadron – The Dambusters – in what will be the largest F-35 Lightning deployment so far by the UK.
The mission will include stops and exercises with allies throughout Europe and Asia, underlining the UK's role in both Nato and wider global defence.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Carty, Officer Commanding 617 Squadron, said the deployment was a demonstration of the UK's ability to fight jointly and globally.
"The F-35 programme is crucial to UK defence," he said. "Working closely with Typhoon, it means that UK combat air has an incredibly potent capability."
Lt Col Carty, the first Royal Marine to command a UK fighter squadron, added: "It is an incredible privilege to take on this role. It really shows the joint nature of the squadron and how we integrate with Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and also civilian personnel.
"Our ability to work with other F-35 nations – particularly our Nato allies – allows us to have more reach and potency around the world."
The deployment is expected to prove the interoperability of the UK's F-35 squadrons with allies, particularly in high-end strike operations and defensive missions from sea-based platforms.
"Whether we're fighting in Europe or in the Indo-Pacific region, we are able to fly and fight alongside all of the partners that are operating F-35," said Gp Capt Butcher.
Cdr Smith echoed that sentiment, saying: "The programme is global by design.
"It gives us an excellent opportunity to work with each other very closely – to develop our tactics, techniques and procedures – and make sure the platform is as lethal and deployable as possible."
For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25 click here.
Join Our Newsletter
