F-35 fighter jets from RAF Marham have been deployed to Iceland for a NATO mission.

This is the first time British F-35s will be used in one of the organisation's air policing missions.

F-35Bs from 617 Squadron will continuously patrol the Arctic region's skies and ensure they are in a position to intercept any potential threats within minutes. 

F-35s are multi-role combat aircraft that are equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and low observable stealth technology, which makes it harder for enemy radar systems to detect them.

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The news of the jets' deployment follows the completion of a similar four-month mission by Typhoon aircraft in Romania and last month's NATO Summit in Washington, where the prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance.

Luke Pollard, minister for the Armed Forces, said: “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO.

"With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.

"This latest air policing mission in Iceland displays the UK’s ability to operate and deter our adversaries across the alliance’s airspace.”

Group Captain John Butcher, Lightning Force Commander, added: “This will be the first time the Lightning Force has deployed to contribute to NATO Air Policing and will no doubt once again prove the flexibility that this platform offers as it demonstrates its capability to operate from both a land and maritime environment.”