A significant step in the F-35B strike capability that demonstrates agile combat employment in action took place aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth this June. A British F-35B conducted the U.K. Lightning Force’s first austere forward refueling in an overseas environment, while operating from the aircraft carrier, when it flew to the Italian island of Pantelleria. Austere forward refueling are designed to provide fuel and ordnance necessary for highly-mobile and flexible helicopter and fixed-wing operations. Without austere forward refueling, aircraft that are unable to refuel in the air would have to return to the nearest forward operating base to refuel before returning to the mission. (Read more)