Lightning Force HQ

The Lightning Force HQ is the overall command organisation controlling the operations of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force. Following on from the principles developed in the operation of the UK's previous STOVL aircraft, the Harrier, the formation is a joint organisation falling under RAF Air Command.

History
The Lightning Force concept was established during the planning stages for the introduction into UK service of the F-35B, taking the idea that had previously been put in place for the operation of the Harrier. This saw the units of both the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force amalgamated under a single command structure, with crews of both services intermixing in all units. Initially, two operational squadrons were formed to operate the F-35; in July 2013, 617 Squadron was announced as the first operational F-35 squadron, while in September 2013, 809 Naval Air Squadron became the first Fleet Air Arm squadron. These would be tasked primarily with operating from the Royal Navy's new s, as well as from deployed air bases. The intention is to form two further squadrons, one each from the Fleet Air Arm and RAF, as well as an Operational Conversion Unit, which was formed as 207 Squadron in July 2017.

In the summer of 2018, 617 Squadron began the process of bringing its new aircraft across the Atlantic to the home base of the new Lightning Force, RAF Marham in Norfolk. The first four aircraft made the transit on 7 June 2018, with another five following in August. In October 2018, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) undertook the first trial operations of F-35s during her deployment to the United States. 617 Squadron is planned to declare initial operating capability for land based operations by the end of 2018, before beginning carrier trials. 809 Naval Air Squadron is intended to reform by 2023.

The Lightning Force was formed as a command organisation in October 2015.

Lightning Force HQ units

 * No. 17 Squadron RAF (2013-)
 * No. 207 Squadron RAF (2019-)
 * No. 617 Squadron RAF (2018-)
 * 809 Naval Air Squadron (2023-)