On June 16, RAF F-35B Lightnings from 617 Sqn undertook their first operational missions which took place over Syria. However, the combat debut was not announced by the Ministry of Defence until June 25. No.617 Squadron deployed six F-35Bs to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, on May 21. The official purpose of the six-week Exercise Lightning Dawn was to test the sustainment of the force away from its main operating base at Marham and enhance its preparedness for its first carrier deployment aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth later this year. At the time of deployment, MOD officials said there were "currently no plans" for the F-35Bs to take part in combat.
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