British Royal Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jets just scored their first-ever combat kill

"British forces have shot down multiple drones across the Middle East over the past 24 hours as Iran continues to retaliate against countries across the region in response to US and Israeli strikes. The UK said that the interception of drones above Jordan marks 'the first time an RAF F-35 has destroyed a target on operations.' The fighters were supported by Typhoon jets and a Voyager tanker aircraft."

"The F-35B jets the UK operates are designed for air-to-air, air-to-surface, and electronic warfare missions. They have short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities that allow the fighter jet to operate from austere environments, amphibious assault ships, and aircraft carriers. The UK received its F-35 jets, manufactured by the American defense giant Lockheed Martin, in 2012."

"The UK recently deployed additional defensive assets to its bases in Cyprus, including F-35 jets, radars, counter-drone systems, and ground-based air defenses, amid the soaring tensions in the Middle East. Over the past day, British counter-drone forces have also intercepted hostile drones in Iraqi airspace, and an RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft used an air-to-air missile to down an Iranian drone heading for Qatar."

British Royal Air Force F-35 stealth fighters achieved their first combat destruction of a hostile target by shooting down drones over Jordan within 24 hours, supported by Typhoon jets and a Voyager tanker aircraft. The F-35B jets, acquired from Lockheed Martin in 2012 and operationally capable since 2018, are equipped for air-to-air, air-to-surface, and electronic warfare missions with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. This interception occurred amid widespread Middle Eastern air defense operations as Iran launches retaliatory waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones against multiple regional targets. British forces additionally intercepted hostile drones in Iraqi airspace and shot down an Iranian drone heading toward Qatar. The UK recently reinforced its Cyprus bases with additional F-35 jets, radars, counter-drone systems, and ground-based air defenses in response to escalating regional tensions.

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