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.
617 Squadron’s latest embarkation on HMS Queen Elizabeth has been a resounding success, assuring critical high-readiness operational capability for the UK’s F-35 Lightning Force and providing an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with our Norwegian partners.
Group Captain Marr
Commander Lightning
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.
Op Achillean has been a great opportunity for the Carrier Air Wing to continue the development of UK Carrier Strike following on from last year’s worldwide deployment, Op Fortis.
“In particular, the Lightning Force have generated additional Carrier Qualified pilots whilst also having interoperated with Norwegian F-35 in the North Sea. I am extremely pleased with how the whole team from HMS Queen Elizabeth, CSG and the Air Wing have safely and effectively integrated over a relatively short period.
Captain Sparrow (Royal Navy)
Commander Air Group of the Carrier Strike Group
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.
