UK controllers guide F-35 bombing runs in Joint Warrior
USMC F-35 pilots operating from HMS Queen Elizabeth have dropped 500lb GBU-12 bombs off Cape Wrath, Scotland, as part of Exercise Joint Warrior.
The F-35B bombing runs on 8 October were directed for the first time by UK Royal Marines forward air controllers aboard Wildcat helicopters from 847 Naval Air Squadron
F-35Bs of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 are embarked on Joint Warrior, operating from Queen Elizabeth alongside UK RN and RAF F-35Bs of 617 Squadron.
The training concluded with the Wildcats directing the guns of participating RN and NATO warships against targets on the Cape Wrath range.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026]()
US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026
The US Air Force (USAF) and Boeing have agreed to adjust parts of the T-&A Red Hawk acquisition, with four more test T-7As being acquired to help improve manufacturing readiness and boost testing capacity.
-
![US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft]()
US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft
The contract for these additional missiles to equip its F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fighter jets follows its earlier request for 50 missiles in March 2024.
-
![Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries]()
Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries
The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
-
![Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France]()
Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
-
![Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays]()
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
