F-35B Lightning jets arrive on HMS Queen Elizabeth

F-35B Lightning jets from RAF Marham have landed aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth to conduct exercises over the North Sea as part of Operation Achillean.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is leading a powerful Carrier Strike Group of warships, helicopters and F35B stealth jets as part of Operation Achillean.  During the deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will work closely with NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies as the UK underscores its commitment to safeguarding European security. 

During the deployment, the F-35B Lightning jets from 617 Squadron will carry out flying operations, while helicopters from 820, 845, 815 and 825 Naval Air Squadrons undertake sorties from a bustling flight deck.

Group Captain Phil Marr, Commander Lightning at RAF Marham said: “this latest deployment of 617 Sqn demonstrates once again that our personnel are equally at home conducting air operations from land or sea.” 

Having just spent a few days with 617 Sqn onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, Group Captain Marr added: “the flexibility, precision and operational focus of 617 Sqn, operating alongside our international allies, is something the UK can be immensely proud of – the F-35 is a formidable combat capability.”