The certification covered the 492nd and 493rd Fighter Squadrons stationed at RAF Lakenheath. U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa led the campaign alongside Royal Air Force F-35 aircraft.
The 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron deployed from Tyndall Air Force Base to evaluate participating units. The 351st Aerial Refueling Squadron from RAF Mildenhall also supported the training.
Combat Archer UK focused on air-to-air weapons employment and system evaluation. Air Force directives require operational units to complete certification before real-world taskings.
“Across the command we know we have pockets of lessons learned, and exercising them together in a challenging environment, before the time of need, gives us a strategic advantage,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason Hinds, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “Exercises like COMBAT ARCHER UK ’26 ensure tactical proficiency, readiness of our maintainers and operators, and confidence in the weapon system.”
Maintenance personnel built, loaded and armed munitions during the campaign. Aircrews selected payloads before conducting live-fire engagements against airborne targets.
“It’s a chance, in a controlled environment, for pilots to actually experience what live weapons employment looks like,” said Capt. Thomas Holmes, 48th Fighter Wing project officer and 493rd Fighter Squadron pilot. “Exercises like COMBAT ARCHER UK really hone those air-to-air skills.”
Royal Air Force F-35 aircraft conducted beyond-visual-range weapons scenarios. The missions aligned allied tactics, techniques and procedures for combined operations.
The 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron evaluated both ground and airborne weapons employment. Traceable air-to-air missiles provided telemetry data for real-time analysis.
The campaign integrated U.S. fourth- and fifth-generation fighters with British aircraft. It tested their ability to conduct and sustain combat operations together.
Data collected during the campaign was provided to aircraft and weapons engineers. The information will support improvements to aircraft systems and munition guidance.
USAFE-AFAFRICA said the certification strengthened readiness for operations in Europe and worldwide. The campaign also tested maintainers, pilots and weapons systems under realistic conditions.
