Largest number of F-35B jets ever assembled on Royal Navy aircraft carrier arrives for Med exercise

Flagship HMS Prince of Wales now carries 24 British F-35 jets as she leads the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Med after five months operating in the Indo-Pacific.

That is the highest number of the fifth-generation fighters ever seen on either of the Royal Navy’s Queen-Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. 

The jets – from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron – are there for Italian-led drills – named Exercise Falcon Strike, which will see allied work together on a large-scale air and maritime exercise supporting NATO.

Training with the Italian, US and Greek Air Force, UK jets will take part in day and night training scenarios during Falcon Strike, strengthening NATO’s air capabilities, deterring adversaries and boosting the alliance’s security.

Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, said: “It is fantastic to be back in the Mediterranean after a hugely successful period in the Indo-Pacific and a transit of the Red Sea. 

“The upcoming exercises with NATO allies will be a real demonstration of the warfighting readiness of the UK Carrier Strike Group.  

“The eight-month deployment covers over 26,000 nautical miles and engages with 40 nations, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading European power delivering fifth-generation aircraft and carrier capabilities assigned as a primary contribution to NATO.”

Joining the Carrier Strike Group for the latest leg of the eight-month deployment is Italian frigate ITS Luigi Rizzo, which joins the 4,000-strong force alongside Norwegian and British warships.
The Carrier Strike Group returned to the Mediterranean through the Red Sea and Suez Canal after five months of operations in the Indo-Pacific.

HMS Prince of Wales stopped in Souda Bay in Crete, where Captain Will Blackett handed over the role of Commanding Officer to new incumbent Captain Ben Power.

Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has been operating with the Greek Navy on anti-submarine warfare exercises, while Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless has also been in Souda Bay – carrying out a remembrance service at the Commonwealth Graves.