Amazing shots of F-35B showing off unique short take off capability in Iceland

Royal Air Force F-35B have been captured demonstrating their unique short take-off capability in Iceland.

Taking off using only 1,000ft of Keflavik's 10,000ft runway, the cutting-edge jets are part of the British Air Policing detachment in the area.

The F-35Bs started arriving in Iceland to take part in their maiden Nato air policing mission earlier this month –  the RAF are operating four of the aircrafts out of Iceland following successful four-month air policing deployment in Romania.

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STOVL

The short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), is a unique capability of the F-35B variant, allowing the aircraft to take off or land on short runways or vertically, and helps to set the F-35B apart from other fighter jets.

It provides the aircraft with increased operational flexibility, due to the ability to perform from a vast range of locations inaccessible to other fighter jets, such as aircraft carriers, small airstrips, and the deck of a ship.

An ability to land vertically reduces the aircraft's vulnerability to any possible hostile fire during takeoff and landing.

STOVL also provides the F-35B with enhanced combat effectiveness, the aircraft can operate closer to the action, providing a tactical advantage in combat.

Pilots from 617 Squadron have been tasked with defending the alliance's airspace in the Arctic region.

The fifth-generation stealth fighters have not previously taken on a policing role.

This RAF policing mission came after the Prime Minister underlined the UK's commitment to Nato at its summit in Washington in July.

Sir Keir Starmer emphasised his determination to safeguard the future of the alliance and face down global threats to the UK and its Western allies.

The F-35B Lightning is held at high readiness to deploy in support of UK and Nato operations worldwide, from both land and sea.​ 

It is a multi-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and low-observable stealth technology, meaning that enemy radar systems cannot easily detect the aircraft.