Newsroom
Six F-35B Lightning aircraft from 617 Squadron flew from their base at RAF Marham in Norfolk to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus as part of Exercise Lightning Dawn.
The aircraft are the first to combine radar-evading stealth technology with supersonic speeds and the ability to conduct short take-offs and vertical landings. According to the UK MOD the F35 will form a vital part of delivering a ‘carrier strike’ capability to the UK when combined with Britain’s new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
Station Commander at RAF Akrotiri Christopher Snaith, said ''It is a privilege to welcome 617 Squadron and the F-35B Lightning aircraft to RAF Akrotiri. This is the first overseas training deployment of the aircraft and marks another key milestone''.
