Historic first: RAF F-35B Lightning destroys drones over Jordan — first F-35 combat kill

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF F-35B Lightning stealth fighters shot down hostile uncrewed aerial systems over Jordan, marking a historic first — the first time a British F-35 has destroyed a target in combat operations. The F-35Bs were supported by Typhoon jets and a Voyager tanker aircraft. Separately, a British counter-drone unit neutralised drones in Iraqi airspace that were heading towards Coalition forces. Additionally, an RAF Typhoon operating with the joint UK-Qatar 12 Squadron shot down an Iranian one-way attack drone directed at Qatar using an air-to-air missile. The UK MoD statement confirmed: 'UK forces are actively defending partners across the region as part of coordinated defensive action.' Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployments via social media. The F-35B's first combat kill comes 15 years after the jet entered RAF service. The F-35 used an air-to-air missile to destroy the drone — a significant capability demonstration. The UK is not participating in offensive operations against Iran but is conducting sustained defensive operations across multiple countries simultaneously.