Conducted in collaboration with the Italian strike group and HMS Prince of Wales, the exercise brought together 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, and over 8,000 personnel. The RAF’s participation demonstrated its integral contribution to multinational military readiness and collective defence.
Central to the exercise was the deployment of F-35B Lightning jets from both the UK and Italy, which operated around the clock in demanding scenarios. These advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft showcased the RAF’s cutting-edge strike capabilities and reinforced NATO’s deterrence posture.
The exercise tested vital air defence measures, including responses to aerial drone threats, in a complex maritime environment. Commander Nick Smith of 809 Naval Air Squadron noted, “they provided vital opportunities for force integration across both air and maritime domains.”
These joint activities also served as a platform for sharing expertise in carrier aviation, strengthening NATO’s ability to operate as a cohesive force. The involvement of F-35B jets played a crucial role in this integration, enhancing interoperability between allied air and naval forces.
Operation HIGHMAST will continue to see the RAF train alongside international partners across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia. This sustained cooperation ensures that the RAF, supported by the F-35B, remains a ready, agile, and globally responsive air power.
Source: Royal Air Force (RAF).
