RAF Marham, Norfolk, UK – F35B Lightning jets from 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron have launched from HMS Prince of Wales, heading back to their home base at RAF Marham as Operation HIGHMAST approaches its end on 27 November 2025.

The jets depart from the UK flagship after an eight-month mission, conducted with around a dozen nations and now entering its final stages. The task group is sailing home through the Atlantic Ocean after extensive operations in both the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean.

Operation HIGHMAST has aimed to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to security in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, to demonstrate shared resolve with allied nations, and to highlight British trade and industry on the global stage.

Across the deployment, more than 4,500 British military personnel have taken part. That total includes nearly 600 Royal Air Force personnel and 900 soldiers, alongside about 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines supporting the mission.

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