UK Stands up Second F-35 Squadron

The United Kingdom now has two frontline F-35 squadrons, adding strength and numbers to allied deterrence and NATO.

809 Naval Air Squadron will operate F-35Bs from RAF Marham, alongside Britain’s other operational F-35B squadron. The U.K. currently has four F-35 squadrons, including a training unit and a test squadron.

“The latest re-incarnation of ‘Phoenix Squadron’ will see this joint service approach deliver a world-leading fifth-generation combat air capability, deployable from both land and sea,” said Commander Nick Smith, 809 Commanding Officer.

‘Fighter of Choice’
The Royal Air Force noted that the F-35 has become the “fighter aircraft of choice” for NATO partners, which enhances interoperability across the alliance. For example, British and Norwegian F-35s jointly intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft last October.

Over the Horizon
The Phoenix Squadron’s storied past is helping the U.K. meet the threats of today and tomorrow.

“809 Naval Air Squadron has a proud heritage and it is therefore entirely fitting that our nation’s most capable F-35 combat air force now has a second [Royal Navy/Royal Air Force] front line squadron which carries the ‘Immortals’ name into this modern era as we continue to expand our global carrier strike capability,” added Vice Admiral Connell, Second Sea Lord.

Ship to Shore
That capability has been on full display aboard both of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers.

• The HMS Queen Elizabeth’s autumn deployment featured intensive F-35 operations.
• The HMS Prince of Wales hosted successful F-35B flight trials.
• The UK Carrier Strike Group plans to deploy to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.

Whether operating from land or sea, the F-35 continues to deliver cutting-edge 21st century expeditionary capabilities for the U.K. and allies around the globe.