RAF Dambusters squadron debuts in huge international air exercise over Alaska

The F-35 Lightning aircraft of RAF 617 'Dambusters' Squadron have been tested in high-paced warfighting scenarios on their debut in Exercise Northern Edge – the largest US training drills of the year.

More than 200 aircraft and 10,000 personnel took part in the biennial exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

Royal Air Force aviators took part alongside allies from the US and Australia – the first time overseas air arms have participated, according to the RAF.

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F-35 pilots were immersed in challenging simulations of warfighting scenarios to keep tactics, techniques, and procedures sharp.

The crews were also given experience in operating a long way from their base at RAF Marham in Norfolk and without the support of an aircraft carrier.

A Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton flew daily sorties from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson near Anchorage to refuel British and American aircraft.

Other Royal Air Force personnel deployed to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, including members of 51 Squadron from RAF Waddington, and personnel embedded with 2 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, who deployed an E-7A Wedgetail for long-range surveillance capabilities.

The exercise marked the largest gathering of fifth-generation fighters to date, the RAF said, adding that "an exercise of this complexity and scale, and the advanced training opportunities it provides" is not possible in Europe.

Air Officer Commanding No.11 Group and the UK's Global Air Component Commander, Air Vice-Marshal Phil Robinson, said: "Our participation in Exercise Northern Edge is a symbol of the United Kingdom's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region as well as demonstrating the very close relationship the Royal Air Force shares with the US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.

"It also serves as an illustration of how we can operate the fifth generation F-35 Lightning in a complex multi-domain environment seamlessly with our closest allies, improving interoperability and advancing our ability to conduct high-end warfighting."

Wing Commander Stew Campbell, Officer Commanding 617 Squadron said: "It has been a real privilege to participate in Northern Edge.

"The opportunity to employ the Lightning's full suite of capabilities and immerse pilots in highly realistic, and often extremely challenging, scenarios has proven invaluable.

"We have sharpened our skills, improved command and control, and developed co-operative plans with our allies.

"Similarly, deploying and operating Lightning at range has been a good test of our engineering and support personnel who have met the challenge admirably. 617 leaves Alaska fighting fit."