Video
WATCH: Amazing aerial footage from huge military exercise over RAF Lakenheath
A Royal Air Force F-35B lands at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in support of exercise Point Blank on Tuesday, November 26. Picture: Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew/48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs - Credit: Archant
Barrel rolls and banking turns are on show in footage of one of RAF Lakenheath's largest ever training exercises.
Exercise Point Blank took place on Tuesday, November 26, and involved more than 40 aircraft and around 200 to 250 servicemen.
This exercise was also the first time the French Air Force took part in exercise Point Blank with the RAF and USAF keen to stress the importance of 'interoperability' - working together well.
Point Blank involved fourth and fifth generation aircraft, including two F-35s from RAF Marham, alongside US Air Force F-15s from RAF Lakenheath and the French Air Force's Rafale.
Refuelling, reconnaissance and rescue aircraft also took part, launching from locations across the UK.
Wing Commander John Butcher, the officer commanding 617 squadron, said: 'This particular exercise is different than any ones that we've done previously because of the threats that are out there.
'It's the first time we've done a peer exercise and that we've worked alongside French and US partners.'
Most Read
- 1 Weather warning as thunderstorms set to hit Norfolk
- 2 Green light for park and ride, drive throughs and offices near Norwich
- 3 'We will always miss you' - tributes to QEH pharmacist who died in A47 crash
- 4 Police called to 'altercation' between pupils at Norfolk school
- 5 Fears over town gridlock as years of A11 improvement works begin
- 6 Tractor stopped on A11 found to have faulty brakes
- 7 Norfolk holiday cottage business sold to a leading lettings agency
- 8 'Blood rain' could fall this week as thunderstorms move in
- 9 'It's just not viable anymore' - Pub near Great Yarmouth closes
- 10 Long delays after person cut out of car on A1065
He added 'things are progressing well' towards declaring initial operating capability for the F-35s before December 31.