The F-35B Lightning jets of 617 Squadron have returned to RAF Marham following their deployment to HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of Operation Achillean.
The jets have returned, following the conclusion of the flying programme for Operation Achillean. The embarked 617 Squadron personnel are returning to their home base, following the arrival of the carrier at Portsmouth naval base.
The last flying activity of the deployment for the 617 Squadron jets, was a Joint Expeditionary Force Air Operations activity. During this exercise Norwegian F-35As carried out simulated air attacks against the Carrier Strike Group and the 617 Squadron jets defended.
Air defence has been one of the key themes of Operation Achillean, with Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer HMS Diamond also conducting numerous Air Defence Exercises with RAF Typhoons, USAF F-15s and F-35As, providing intensive training for the fighter controllers onboard.
The carrier deployment element of Operation Achillean was designed as a proof of concept deployment to demonstrate NATO’s 5th generation maritime strike capability, comprising of F-35 jets supported by Merlin, and Wildcat helicopters. All elements of Operation Achillean complement NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force activity, as the UK underscores its commitment to safeguarding European security.
