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
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: Embraer still sees future C-390 opportunities in region following RSAF snub
The company disclosed several defence contracts and upgrades for its defence aircraft at the show, including additional Super Tucano orders and a new C-390 Millennium customer, Uzbekistan.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt
With a growing customer list and portfolio expansion in the region, the company has said that it has a strong ongoing commitment to Asia-Pacific.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s EagleStrike aims for 2027 early-stage production
The new loitering munition from ST Engineering, unveiled at the Singapore Airshow for the first time, is intended for use against high-value targets such as lightly armoured vehicles.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation
Singapore is understood to have received three of four ex-Spanish C-130Hs from Blue Aerospace in recent weeks.
-
“Dramatic leaps in processing capability”: how GDMS–UK is evolving mission systems for the modern battlespace
In Conversation... Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Sam Steggall, GDMS–UK’s Senior Director – Air and Naval UK, about the company’s extensive and proven in-country capability to deliver complex avionics solutions and its key role on major Royal Air Force and Royal Navy aircraft programmes.