DefenseRAF F-35B jets shoot down Iranian drones over Jordan
Royal Air Force F-35B fighters have shot down Iranian one-way attack drones over Jordan, marking the first time the UK’s stealth fighter has destroyed aerial targets during operational missions.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the aircraft were operating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and intercepted an undisclosed number of drones while flying inside Jordanian airspace. The engagements represent the first confirmed combat use of the F-35B by the RAF.
The jets belong to No. 617 Squadron and were deployed to Akrotiri in early February from their home base at RAF Marham in Norfolk. The aircraft are operating alongside Eurofighter Typhoons as part of the UK’s long-running Operation Shader in the Middle East.
The drone interceptions occurred during a period of increased Iranian drone and missile activity across the region. On March 1, an Iranian drone struck RAF Akrotiri, though the attack caused no casualties.
The UK also reported that a Eurofighter Typhoon assigned to the joint RAF and Qatar Emiri Air Force No. 12 Squadron shot down another Iranian one-way attack drone on March 2 using an air-to-air missile.
In parallel, the Royal Navy is deploying the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen regional air defense. The vessel will embark two Leonardo Helicopters Wildcat helicopters equipped with Thales Martlet missiles designed for counter-drone operations.
RAF F-35B aircraft operate from short runways and aircraft carriers using a short take-off and vertical landing configuration. The variant is part of the UK’s F-35 Lightning fleet and is flown by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
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