British F-35B stealth fighters destroyed drones over Jordan in the past 24 hours, marking the Royal Air Force's first combat kill with the advanced aircraft. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the interception, which occurred as Iran continues retaliatory strikes across the Middle East following US and Israeli military actions.

Lockheed Martin's F-35B jets, which the UK received in 2012 and declared operational in 2018, demonstrated their air-to-air capabilities in the region. The fighters were supported by Typhoon jets and a Voyager tanker aircraft during the mission. British forces have also intercepted hostile drones in Iraqi airspace and shot down Iranian drones targeting Qatar.

The UK has deployed additional defensive assets to Cyprus, including F-35s, counter-drone systems, and ground-based air defenses. This combat debut comes amid escalating tensions, with Iran launching hundreds of missiles and drones at multiple countries. British bases have been struck in the conflict, including a suspected drone attack on RAF Akrotiri that caused no casualties but prompted London to reinforce its regional presence.