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RAF F-35 Pilot Makes History, Destroys Drones Over Jordan

3/6/2026

40 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On March 5, 2026, a British F-35 pilot became the first Royal Air Force pilot to destroy a target by hitting two Shahed drones over Jordan.
The operation flew from Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri in Cyprus amid concerns of inadvertently targeting friendly assets.
The drones’ small size and detection difficulties made the engagement challenging.
After returning, the pilot shared a local beer with the team to mark the moment.

History

Historical Context

In December 2015, the UK Parliament approved airstrikes against ISIS in Syria, following the Paris attacks and calls from allies. Operation Shader, initiated in 2014, involved the RAF conducting over 1,700 airstrikes by January 2019, significantly contributing to the coalition's efforts against ISIS. This operation highlights the UK's commitment to adapting military strategies in response to evolving threats in modern warfare.

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Story summary

On March 5, 2026, a British F-35 pilot became the first Royal Air Force pilot to destroy a target by hitting two Shahed drones over Jordan.
The operation flew from Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri in Cyprus amid concerns of inadvertently targeting friendly assets.
The drones’ small size and detection difficulties made the engagement challenging.
After returning, the pilot shared a local beer with the team to mark the moment.

1 / 2