Ionian Sea, Between Taranto And Sicily – On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR.Mk 4 fighter jets from 1 (F) Squadron refuelled mid-air at dusk from an RAF Voyager aircraft.

The operation extended their range and endurance during Exercise Med Strike.

The exercise, running from May 5 to May 11, brings together all parts of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group.

In the Ionian Sea, two carrier strike groups, 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fighter jets, 19 helicopters, ten patrol planes, and over 8,000 military personnel are training together.

It is part of Operation Highmast, the Royal Navy’s major mission of 2025.

Led by the HMS Prince of Wales and joined by forces from a dozen nations, the eight-month mission spans the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Pacific.

The goal is to support security, strengthen alliances, and promote British trade and industry.

More than 4,500 British personnel are involved, including 600 Royal Air Force members, 900 soldiers, and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

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