In a First, Israeli F-35 Jets Operate Alongside Fighters from UK's Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier

Israel Air Force (IAF) F-35 fighters took off from  a land base to fly alongside Royal Navy's F-35s operating from Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier – the Royal Navy’s largest ship –  for the first time during Tri-Lightning 2 joint exercises.

The drills, which also saw the U.S. Marine Corps participating, came to an end on Tuesday.

As part of the exercise, Israeli "Adir" (F-35I) fighter jets trained alongside F-35s from the U.S Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force (RAF).

During the training exercise, forces drilled various aerial scenarios including air-to-air combat, air strikes, advanced surface-to-air threats, as well as strikes and other operational scenarios deep in enemy territory.

The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen the regional strategic cooperation and enhance the cooperation with the international fifth-generation community through quality training that allows for shared learning and mutual advancement.

As part of the exercise, IAF pilots visited the Royal Navy aircraft carrier to enhance their knowledge about the stealth fighter.