HMS Prince Of Wales Prepares For Frontline Operations With F-35 Jets

F-35B Lightning stealth fighter jets have landed on HMS Prince of Wales as the aircraft carrier prepares for frontline operations.

And, during what will be a busy autumn, she is also gearing up for her first appearance at the UK's largest military exercise, Joint Warrior, off the coast of Scotland.

The arrival of the jets marks the first period of 'concerted training' with the F-35s, the Royal Navy said.

The jets from 207 Squadron left RAF Marham in Norfolk for HMS Prince of Wales on Monday.

Officer Commanding 207 Squadron, Wing Commander Scott Williams, said: "The Carrier Qualification itself will be done at day and at night, and consist of a number of sorties flown to and from HMS Prince of Wales.

"This embarkation not only signifies an increase in capability from the UK Lightning Force

"It is also really important for HMS Prince of Wales to gain more experience at operating Lightning at sea."

Wg Cdr Williams also said this was an opportunity to train the "next generation of pilot, engineer and mission support personnel for the F-35 Lightning."

The ship recently spent a few days at sea after a busy spring of training around the UK, including the first embarkation of F-35 Lightning stealth fighters and a debut visit to Gibraltar.

Watch: In June, an F-35 landed on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales for the first time.

Cover image: An F-35 fighter jet onboard HMS Prince of Wales for Carrier Qualification training (Picture: HMS Prince of Wales Twitter).