Iran conflict 2026: RAF adds to drone tally as F-35B scores first kills over Jordan

A file photo of UK F-35Bs operating over the Middle East. The type has now claimed its first air-to-air kill in RAF service, shooting down an undisclosed number of Iranian drones over Jordan. (Crown Copyright)

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has added to its tally of successful engagements against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with an undisclosed number of Iranian drones being downed over Jordan by Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning combat aircraft.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the first air-to-air kills for the fifth-generation ‘stealth' jet in national service on 3 March, saying it was the first time RAF F-35Bs had destroyed a target on operations.

“RAF F-35B jets operating over Jordanian airspace shot down uncrewed aerial systems in defence of Jordan. This marks the first time RAF F-35 has shot down a target on operations. The aircraft was supported by RAF [Eurofighter] Typhoon jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft as part of our defensive operation to protect British interests and allies,” the MoD said.

No further details of the action were disclosed, and the MoD had not responded to a Janes request for the number of drones shot down at the time of publication.

Six F-35Bs were deployed to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in February to augment Typhoons in the air-defence role. In their air-defence configuration, F-35Bs are armed with the MBDA AIM-132 Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and the RTX AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). They are not equipped with the 25 mm external gun pod as carried by other operators.