UK F-35 Jets to Reach Full Combat Readiness on HMS Prince of Wales Indo-Pacific Deployment

In a significant step forward for British military aviation, the UK’s F-35 Lightning jets are preparing to achieve full operating capability as they embark on a landmark mission aboard HMS Prince of Wales. The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier will depart Portsmouth next week, spearheading Operation Highmast, a global deployment that will showcase the UK’s cutting-edge Carrier Strike Group in action.

This mission represents more than just a routine naval exercise—it marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s defence strategy. For the first time, the Lightning Force will be certified as fully capable of deploying two squadrons of F-35s anywhere in the world. This milestone confirms that not only are the aircraft themselves battle-ready, but the logistics, personnel, and infrastructure needed to support them are also fully in place.

HMS Prince of Wales and her embarked squadrons—617 Squadron "The Dambusters" and the recently reformed 809 Naval Air Squadron "The Immortals"—will operate across a vast theatre, with engagements in both the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions. These areas are of growing geopolitical importance, and the deployment demonstrates the UK’s intent to be a persistent and reliable defence partner in both regions.

One of the major goals of Operation Highmast is to enhance interoperability with international allies. The F-35’s global nature allows the UK to train and operate seamlessly with other countries that also use the jet, such as Australia and Japan. Exercises with these nations will strengthen partnerships and ensure mutual readiness for any future crisis or conflict.

Commander Nick Smith of 809 Squadron underscored the importance of this integration, saying it’s vital for the UK to “exercise with our allies and F-35 partners to prove the capability that we have in UK Defence.” This first operational deployment for 809 Squadron since its return to service in 2023 adds historical depth to a modern mission.

The deployment is also a symbol of evolving military leadership. Lieutenant Colonel Mike Carty, a Royal Marine, now commands 617 Squadron—the first time a Royal Marine has led a UK fighter squadron. His appointment highlights the joint nature of the UK Lightning Force, which combines the expertise of both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Speaking on the significance of the deployment, Lt. Col. Carty noted, “Operation Highmast is an incredibly important deployment. It gives us the ability to hone our skills and develop operationally alongside allies and partners.”

This deployment is not just about ticking boxes on operational capability—it’s about preparing for a future where Britain must be ready to respond to challenges in both European and Indo-Pacific theatres. The F-35’s stealth, data fusion, and multi-role combat capabilities give the UK a strategic edge. By achieving full operating capability, the UK joins a select group of nations capable of projecting 5th-generation air power globally from the sea.

Operation Highmast also serves to test and refine the full integration of air and naval forces, a critical factor in modern hybrid warfare scenarios. With the Carrier Strike Group operating in complex environments, including contested air and maritime spaces, the UK is showing that it has both the tools and the will to operate in the world’s most strategically sensitive regions.

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise—especially in areas like the South China Sea and Eastern Europe—this deployment signals to both allies and adversaries that the UK is ready, capable, and globally engaged.