Editing Fleet Air Arm (section)

==Aircraft==
{{Further|List of active United Kingdom military aircraft}}

The FAA operates fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. It uses the same aircraft [[British military aircraft designation systems|designation system]] as the RAF.

===Fixed wing===

====F-35B Lightning II====
[[File:Britain's most advanced jets touch down on home soil MOD 45164370.jpg|thumb|The Fleet Air Arm operates the F-35B from the ''Queen Elizabeth''-class aircraft carriers.]]

The introduction of the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lightning II]] saw a restoration of fixed wing, front-line operations to the FAA after the retirement of [[Joint Force Harrier]] in 2010. The Lightning Force is a joint RAF-Fleet Air Arm formation with all F-35Bs capable of operating from the Royal Navy's [[Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier]]s. The first Fleet Air Arm squadron to operate the F-35B is [[809 Naval Air Squadron]] which formally stood-up in December 2023, joining other F-35B squadrons within the RAF that are formally part of [[No. 1 Group RAF]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/building-up-the-lightning-force-when-will-the-uk-get-its-f-35-jets/ | title=Building up the Lightning Force – when will the UK get its F-35 jets? &#124; Navy Lookout | date=14 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1733080885820260761?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout F-35 with @809NAS 'phoenix from the flames' tail art on display at @RAF_Marham as the squadron recommissions today.  |number=1733080885820260761 |user=NavyLookout |date=8 December 2023 |access-date=8 December 2023}}</ref>

An initial order of 48 airframes was made in 2012 to equip the air wings of the two ''Queen Elizabeth''-class aircraft carriers, with the operation split between the FAA and the [[Royal Air Force]], as was the case with Joint Force Harrier. [[809 Naval Air Squadron]] was announced as the second UK unit to fly the F-35B (the first being [[No. 617 Squadron RAF|617 Squadron RAF]]) and is the first FAA unit to operate the aircraft. It is understood that at least two further frontline squadrons will stand up in the future alongside 809, 617, [[No. 17 Squadron RAF|17(R) Test and Evaluation Squadron]] and an RAF-numbered Operational Conversion Unit, creating a total of six squadrons including the OCU and OEU. Under the Strategic Defence and Security Review of November 2015, the UK Government made a commitment to buying 138 F-35B, with at least 24 available for carrier use by 2023.<ref>{{cite news|title=Osborne: UK to speed up aircraft carrier jet purchase|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34893614|access-date=22 November 2015|work=BBC News|date=22 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="SDSR2015">{{cite web|title=National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124082813/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, following on the [[Defence in a Competitive Age|2021 defence review]], the First Sea Lord indicated that the new envisaged number was to be 60 aircraft initially and "then maybe more", up to a maximum of around 80 to hopefully equip four "deployable squadrons".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-looking-at-60-maybe-up-to-around-80-f-35b-jets/|title = UK looking at '60 and then maybe up to 80′ F-35B jets|date = 23 March 2021}}</ref> In April 2022, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Richard Knighton, told the House of Commons Defence Select Committee that the MoD was in discussions to purchase a second tranche of 26 F-35B fighters. Plans for frontline F-35B squadrons had been modified and now envisaged a total of three squadrons (rather than four) each deploying 12-16 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2022-06-23.HL1253.h | title=F-35 Aircraft }}</ref> In surge conditions 24 F-35s might be deployed on the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers but a routine deployment would likely involve 12 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/uk-to-purchase-at-least-74-f-35-jets/ | title=UK to purchase at least 74 F-35 jets &#124; Navy Lookout | date=27 April 2022 }}</ref>

In January 2019, initial operating capability for the UK's F-35B was announced<ref>{{cite news|title=UK declares IOC Land for F-35 force|url=https://www.janes.com/article/85642/uk-declares-ioc-land-for-f-35-force|access-date=11 January 2019|publisher=IHS Janes|date=11 January 2019}}</ref> with 18 F-35Bs jointly delivered to the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airforcesmonthly.keypublishing.com/2019/05/21/lightning-to-cyprus-first-deployment-for-uk-f-35b/|title= Key.Aero - the Only Destination for Aviation Enthusiasts}}</ref> As of December 2022, 26 aircraft were operational in the UK and were based at [[RAF Marham]]. These aircraft regularly deployed for operations on the ''Queen Elizabeth-class'' aircraft carriers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/nov/17/british-f35-jet-crashes-into-mediterranean|title=British F-35 jet crashes into Mediterranean|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=17 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/more-f-35-jets-delivered-to-the-uk/|title = More F-35 jets delivered to the UK|date = 4 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2018-08-04/further-five-f-35-fighter-jets-land-at-new-raf-marham-home/|title= Further five F-35 fighter jets land at RAF Marham|date=4 August 2018}}</ref> Another 3 F-35s remained in the US for testing and evaluation purposes.

While 38 F-35B aircraft (including 3 or 4 based in the U.S.) were in the U.K. inventory by May 2025,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-takes-delivery-of-more-f-35-stealth-jets/ | title=Britain takes delivery of more F-35 stealth jets |website=U.K. Defence Journal |last=Langford |first=Craig | date= 8 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-takes-delivery-of-more-new-f-35-stealth-jets/#:~:text=The%20arrival%20of%20more%20F,by%20the%20end%20of%202025. | title=Britain takes delivery of more new F-35 stealth jets |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Allison |first=George | date= 17 March 2024}}</ref> as the former U.K. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had reported,  the RAF and Royal Navy faced a considerable challenge in providing even the existing modest F-35B fleet with qualified pilots. As of late 2022 there were only 30 qualified British pilots (plus three exchange pilots from the United States and Australia) for the F-35. The average wait time for RAF trainee Typhoon and F-35 pilots, after completing the Military Flying Training System, was approximately 11 and 12 months respectively. A further gap of 68 weeks existed between completing Basic Flying Training and beginning Advanced Fast Jet Training. The resulting pilot shortage was a factor in delaying the ability to stand up the first Fleet Air Arm Squadron (809 Squadron) on a timely basis.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/uk-military-pilot-training-in-limbo-for-beleaguered-raf/ | title=UK military pilot training in limbo for beleaguered RAF | date=7 November 2022 }}</ref> In February 2023, the [[Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the Air Staff]], Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, reported that the number of F-35 pilots had grown to 34 UK pilots with a further 7 to complete training by August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oral evidence: Work of the Chief of the Air Staff, HC 1108 |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence/12649/html/ |date=1 February 2023}}</ref>

====Training====
[[File:Grob Tutor photographed over Lincolnshire. MOD 45142162.jpg|alt=|thumb|A [[Grob G 115|Grob Tutor T1]] used for pilot grading]]
[[File:ZM320 Grob G120TP-A Prefect T1 (27903385637).jpg|alt=|thumb|A [[Grob G 120TP|Grob Prefect T1]] turboprop used for elementary flying training]]
Four types of fixed wing aircraft are operated by the FAA for training purposes: Pilot Grading is carried out using the [[Grob Tutor]] T1. [[No. 3 Flying Training School RAF|Elementary flying training]] is then conducted on the [[Grob G 120TP|Grob Prefect T1]]. From there, pilots are streamed to either Rotary or Fast-Jet.
[[File:Beechcraft Avenger T.1 ‘ZZ503’ (32161797428).jpg|alt=|thumb|A [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft Avenger T1]] used for Observer training]]
Observer grading and training is done using four [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft Avenger T1]]<ref name="key-rn">{{cite web|url=http://www.key.aero/view_article.asp?ID=862&thisSection=military|title=Royal Navy unveils its new King Air|last=Parsons|first=Gary|date=29 September 2009|work=key.aero|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001931/http://www.key.aero/view_article.asp?ID=862&thisSection=military|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> before observers join their frontline aircraft.

===Rotary===
Today the largest section of the FAA is the rotary wing section. Pilots designated for rotary wing service train under [[No. 1 Flying Training School RAF|No. 1 Flying Training School]] at [[RAF Shawbury]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/north-shropshire/shawbury/2020/02/29/raf-chief-opens-state-of-the-art-helicopter-training-facilities-in-shawbury/|title=DHFS rebadging as No. 1 FTS – Shropshire Star|date=29 February 2020 }}</ref> The school is a tri-Service organisation consisting of civilian and military instructors (including Naval instructors and a Naval Air Squadron) that take the student from basic flying through to more advanced flying such as instrument flying, navigation, formation and captaincy.

Its aviators fly one of four types of helicopters:

====Commando Merlin====
[[File:Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force Merlin HC3-3A (28450747245).jpg|alt=|left|thumb|A Merlin HC3 of Commando Helicopter Force.]]
The HC4/4A [[AgustaWestland AW101|AW101 Merlin]] (nicknamed "Junglie Merlin") serves as a medium lifter and troop transporter in support of the [[Royal Marines]]. The FAA received the Merlin HC3/HC3A fleet from the RAF, replacing the Commando Sea King in September 2014. These have been marinised and replaced with HC4s/HC4As, under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) that was placed on contract in December 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://des.mod.uk/merlin-mk4-delivery/|title=DE&S delivers Merlin Mk4 |date= 24 May 2018 |publisher=Defence Equipment & Support }}</ref>

====Commando Wildcat AH1====

[[File:ZZ383 Agusta Westland AW159 Wildcat AH1 Helicopter Army Air Corps (39630622085).jpg|alt=|thumb|The [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat AH1]] Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter (BRH) used by [[847 Naval Air Squadron|847 NAS]].]]

The [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW159 Wildcat]]: the BRH (Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter) replaces the [[Westland Lynx]] as the Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter of the FAA. Along with the Commando Merlin, these squadrons operate under [[Commando Helicopter Force]], which provides airborne support to [[United Kingdom Commando Force|UK Commando Force]] of the Royal Marines.

====Wildcat HMA2====
[[File:Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter MOD 45158434.jpg|thumb|A [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat HMA2]] of [[700 Naval Air Squadron|700(W) NAS]] conducting trials off [[HMS Monmouth (F235)|HMS Monmouth.]]]]
The [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat HMA2]] became the standard small ship borne helicopter in the FAA, with 28 Wildcats replacing the Lynx HMA8 in 2017. Twenty-eight [[AgustaWestland AW159|AW159 Wildcat HMA2]] helicopters perform a range of roles including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare and airborne surveillance.

====Merlin HM2====
[[File:Royal Navy Merlin Helicopter Launching a Training Torpedo MOD 45157953.jpg|alt=|thumb|A Merlin HM2 aircraft of [[824 Naval Air Squadron|824 NAS.]]]]
The [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin]] HM2 ("Grey Merlin") is the FAA's primary anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, having replaced the Sea King HAS6 in the role. It is presently deployed with various ships of the Royal Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/aircraft/helicopters/merlin-mk2|title= Merlin Mk 2 &#124; Royal Navy}}</ref> 

Merlin HM2 also incorporates an [[Airborne early warning and control|airborne early warning and surveillance]] (AEW) variant, known as Crowsnest, which replaced the ASaC7 variant of the [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]]. The first Merlin HM2 test flight with Crowsnest was completed in April 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/04/first-flight-for-royal-navys-merlin-crowsnest-aew-helicopter/|title=First Flight For Royal Navy's Merlin Crowsnest AEW Helicopter   |last=Vavasseur  |first=Xavier
 |date= 11 April 2019 |website=Naval News }}</ref> However, initial operating capability of the system was significantly delayed. While Crowsnest was deployed with the U.K. carrier strike group in 2021, it experienced operating challenges and finally achieved initial operating capability in July 2023. Full operating capability was expected in 2024/25. While all Merlins in the Royal Navy will be equipped to operate Crowsnest, only ten kits for the system are being acquired. It has been reported that initially five Merlins will be equipped with Crowsnest, three of these being normally assigned to the "high readiness" aircraft carrier.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/crowsnest-airborne-surveillance-and-control-due-to-achieve-initial-operating-capability-in-2023/ | title=Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control due to achieve Initial Operating Capability in 2023 &#124; Navy Lookout | date=19 December 2022 }}</ref> Challenges involved in the Crowsnest program have led the Royal Navy to seek a replacement for its helicopter-based AEW platform with a new fixed-wing UAV, under [[Project Vixen]], by 2030.<ref name="VixenAEW">{{cite news |last1=Allison |first1=George |title=Royal Navy looking at fixed-wing carrier based drone for AEW |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-navy-looking-at-fixed-wing-carrier-based-drone-for-aew/ |access-date=7 April 2021 |work=[[UK Defence Journal]] |date=2 April 2021}}</ref> 

In 2025, nine Merlin HM2s from 820 Squadron were specifically assigned to embark on [[HMS Prince of Wales (R09)|HMS Prince of Wales]] as part of the Royal Navy's [[UK Carrier Strike Group|carrier strike group]] deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Six of the Merlins deployed in the ASW role and three in the AEW role, with the Crowsnest system having formally reached full operating capability.<ref>{{cite news |title=Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning Helicopters Reach Full Operational Capability |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2025/04/29/royal-navy-merlin-mk2-crowsnest-airborne-early-warning-helicopters-reach-full-operational-capability/ |access-date=29 April 2025 |work=Overt Defense |last=L |first=Albert |date=29 April 2025}}</ref>

===Unmanned===
As of 2024, the Royal Navy operated a number of small UAVs, including the [[AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma|AeroVironment Puma AE]] and Ebee Vision.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2024/september/20/240920-royal-navy-tests-technology-in-portugal | title=A range of drones and uncrewed vessels are deployed on a major international exercise in Portugal as the Royal Navy looks to push its latest technology to its limits. |website=Royal Navy |date=20 September 2024 | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.supplycore.com/catalog/unmanned-systems-counter-uas/drones/ebee-vision/ | title=eBee VISION |website=SupplyCore | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://campaign.ageagle.com/ebee-vision-drone | title=eBee VISION |website=AgEagle | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/august/17/200817-700x-three-new-flights|title = Navy's drone experts 700X NAS ready to deploy on warships}}</ref> In 2024, the Navy reported that there were a total of nine  qualified Puma teams, six of which were dedicated to supporting the Royal Marines in [[40 Commando|40]] and [[45 Commando]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2024/october/08/20241008-700x-5th-anniversary | title=Royal Navy experts are embracing the next generation tech as they celebrate five successful years operating drones on the front line. |work=Royal Navy |date=8 October 2024 |access-date=8 October 2024}}</ref> As of 2024, a total of 75 Puma AE, 15 Puma LE (long endurance) and 39 [[AeroVironment Wasp III]] UAVs were in the U.K. inventory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk%2Fmedia%2F67b897abba253db298782c46%2FUK_armed_forces_equipment_and_formations_2024.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK |title=UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations 2024; Worksheet 7 Fixed Wing and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems |work=UK Government Statistics |date= 27 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2021/british-navy-sailors-conduct-training-and-trial-with-puma-drone-from-hms-tamar-patrol-vessel |title=British Navy sailors conduct training and trial with Puma drone from HMS Tamar patrol vessel. |work=Army Recognition |date= 6 January 2021}}</ref> 

The FAA's inventory was further boosted with the addition of the [[Schiebel Camcopter S-100|Peregrine rotary-wing UAV]] which started trials on [[HMS Lancaster (F229)|HMS Lancaster]] in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/peregrine-rotary-wing-uav-to-enter-service-with-the-royal-navy/ |title=Peregrine rotary wing UAV to enter service with the Royal Navy |website=Navy Lookout |date=10 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/peregrine-rotary-wing-uas-conducts-initial-royal-navy-flying-trials-from-hms-lancaster/ |title=Peregrine rotary wing UAS conducts initial Royal Navy flying trials from HMS Lancaster |website=Navy Lookout |date=11 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/1838876479343468865?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout Recent photos showing two Peregrine RWUAS embarked on @HMSLANCASTER for trials in the Indian Ocean. Both aircraft fitted with the Thales I-Master radar with tactical data link integrated into ship's combat managment [sic] system. |number=1838876479343468865 |user=NavyLookout |date=25 September 2024 |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> In 2025 it was announced that, as part of its deployment east of Suez, [[HMS Prince of Wales (R09)]] will carry a small fleet of [[Malloy Aeronautics T150]] UAVs. The drone is designed to provide lightweight logistics/transport support for Royal Navy deployments. Nine T-150 drones are operated by 700X Naval Air Squadron.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Royal Navy to integrate logistics drones on Carrier Strike Group deployment |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-to-integrate-uncrewed-logistics-drones-on-carrier-strike-group-deployment/ |website=Navy Lookout |access-date=7 April 2025}}</ref>

===Future===
A number of unmanned systems are under development for the Fleet Air Arm including fixed-wing UAVs, envisaged for potential operation from the ''Queen Elizabeth''-class carriers. These programs are in the conceptual or planning stages under a program known as [[Project Vixen]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-navy-has-ambitious-plans-for-its-future-maritime-aviation-force/ |title=The Royal Navy has ambitious plans for its Future Maritime Aviation Force |website=Navy Lookout |date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

===Squadrons and flights===
A Fleet Air Arm flying squadron is formally titled Naval Air Squadron (NAS),<ref name="rn-nas"/> a title used as a suffix to the squadron number. The FAA assigns numbers in the 700–799 range to training and operational conversion squadrons and numbers in the 800–899 range to operational squadrons. Exceptions to the 700–799 include operational conversion squadrons which also hold some form of operational commitment where they are then titled 800–899. During WWII the 1700 and 1800 ranges were also used for operational squadrons.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+Active FAA squadrons<ref name="rn-nas">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/naval-air-squadrons |title=Naval Air Squadrons |work=royalnavy.mod.uk |access-date=6 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727190839/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/naval-air-squadrons/ |archive-date=27 July 2009 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
|-
! style="text-align:left; width:17%;"|Unit
! style="text-align:left; width:10%;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; width:17%;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align:left; width:10%;"|Base
! style="text-align:left; width:18%;"|Role
! style="text-align:left; width:30%;"|Notes
|-
! colspan=6|Flying squadrons
|-
| rowspan=2|[[700 Naval Air Squadron|700X Naval Air Squadron]]
| rowspan=2|[[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
| rowspan=2|[[AeroVironment Wasp III]], [[AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma|AeroVironment Puma AE/LE]], [[Schiebel Camcopter S-100|Peregrine ISR]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/august/17/200817-700x-three-new-flights|title=Navy's Drone Experts 700X NAS ready to deploy on warships |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=17 August 2020 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=17 August 2020 }}</ref> [[Malloy Aeronautics T150|T-150 logistics support UAVs]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Royal Navy to integrate logistics drones on Carrier Strike Group deployment |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-to-integrate-uncrewed-logistics-drones-on-carrier-strike-group-deployment/ |website=Navy Lookout |access-date=7 April 2025}}</ref> 
| rowspan=2|[[RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)|RNAS Culdrose]]
| Remotely Piloted Aircraft System shipborne flights<ref name="UAV">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/november/25/141125-700x-scan-eagle|title=X-men take to the Cornish skies |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=25 November 2014 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=25 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128050626/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/november/25/141125-700x-scan-eagle|archive-date=28 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
|rowspan=2|Provides HQ function for Puma AE/LE and other UAV flights; serves as evaluation unit for any future UAV systems selected by the Royal Navy<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/peregrine-rotary-wing-uas-conducts-initial-royal-navy-flying-trials-from-hms-lancaster/ |title=Peregrine rotary wing UAS conducts initial Royal Navy flying trials from HMS Lancaster |website=Navy Lookout |date=11 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
|RPAS future trials unit<ref name="UAV" />
|-
| [[703 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Fixed-wing
|[[Grob G 120TP|Grob Prefect]]
| [[RAF Barkston Heath]]
| Elementary flying training
| Part of the Joint Elementary Flying Training School (JEFTS)
|-
| [[705 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary
| [[Eurocopter EC135|Eurocopter Juno HT1]]
| [[RAF Shawbury]]
| Basic and advanced multi-engine helicopter training
| Part of 2 Maritime Air Wing (within [[No. 1 Flying Training School RAF|1 FTS]]) alongside [[No. 660 Squadron AAC|660 Squadron AAC]] and [[No. 202 Squadron RAF|202 Squadron RAF]]
|-
| [[727 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Fixed-wing
| [[Grob G 115|Grob Tutor T1]]
| [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]]
| Pilot grading and Air Experience/Elementary Flying Training<ref>{{cite web|title=727 NAS takes on extra training role to pave way for Lightning II stealth fighters|url=https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15735|website=Navy News|access-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119053145/https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15735|archive-date=19 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
|rowspan=2| [[744 Naval Air Squadron]]
|rowspan=2| Rotary
|[[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HM2 Crowsnest]]
|rowspan=2| [[MoD Boscombe Down]]
|rowspan=2| Operational Test and Evaluation<ref>{{cite web |author=Royal Navy |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/november/14/181114-naval-air-squadron-reforms |title=Naval squadron re-forms after 60 years to test cutting-edge weaponry |publisher=Royal Navy |date=14 November 2018 |access-date=14 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115030513/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/november/14/181114-naval-air-squadron-reforms |archive-date=15 November 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
|rowspan=2| Tri-service unit<br />Formerly Mission Systems and Armament Test and Evaluation Squadron RAF<ref>{{cite web |author=Fleet Air Arm Association |url=https://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/744-nas-commissioning |title=744 NAS Commissioning |publisher=Fleet Air Arm Association |date=19 October 2018 |access-date=14 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224927/https://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/744-nas-commissioning |archive-date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
|-
|[[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Chinook HC5/HC6]]
|-
| [[750 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Fixed-wing
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft Avenger T1]]
| RNAS Culdrose
| Observer grading and training
|
|-
| [[809 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Fixed-wing
| [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lightning]]
| [[RAF Marham]]
| Carrier strike
| Operates as part of [[No. 1 Group RAF]] under [[RAF Air Command]]
|-
| [[814 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary
| [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HM2]]
| RNAS Culdrose
| Anti-submarine warfare (small ship flights)
| Merged with [[829 Naval Air Squadron|829 NAS]] in 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/news/submarine-hunting-829-naval-air-squadron-decommissioned|title=Submarine Hunting 829 Naval Air Squadron Decommissioned|author=Ricks, Rebecca|date=28 March 2018|website=Forces News|publisher=BFBS|access-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330080105/https://www.forces.net/news/submarine-hunting-829-naval-air-squadron-decommissioned|archive-date=30 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[815 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary
| [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat HMA2]]<ref name="wildcat" /><ref name="finalwildcat">{{cite web |url=https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15405 |title=Yeovilton is now totally wild as last new helicopter is delivered |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=26 October 2016 |website=Navy News |access-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030142311/https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15405 |archive-date=30 October 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/royal-navy-lynx-hma8-fleet-bows-out-of-service-435293/|title=Royal Navy Lynx HMA8 fleet bows out of service|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=17 March 2017|website=Flightglobal|access-date=17 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317193238/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/royal-navy-lynx-hma8-fleet-bows-out-of-service-435293/|archive-date=17 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| RNAS Yeovilton
| Attack/ASW (small ship flights)
|
|-
|rowspan=2|[[820 Naval Air Squadron]]
|rowspan=2|Rotary
| [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HM2]]
|rowspan=2|RNAS Culdrose
| Anti-submarine warfare (carrier air group)
|rowspan=2|Attached to both HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'' and HMS ''Prince of Wales''{{'}}s air groups<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/july/03/170703-young-pilot-makes-history-with-first-deck-landing-on-hms-queen-elizabeth|title=Young pilot makes history with first deck landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706195750/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/july/03/170703-young-pilot-makes-history-with-first-deck-landing-on-hms-queen-elizabeth|archive-date=6 July 2017}}</ref><br />Merged with [[849 Naval Air Squadron|849 NAS]] in April 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/july/14/200714-820-nas-named-fleet-air-arm-s-safety-champions |title=820 NAS named Fleet Air Arm's safety champions |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=14 July 2020 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=24 July 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/678388/response/1613863/attach/2/FOI%202020%2008297%20Final%20response.pdf |title= 849 NAS |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 August 2020 |via=WhatDoTheyKnow |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=6 August 2020 |id=FOI2020/08297}}</ref>

|-
| [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HM2 Crowsnest]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/83208/skasac-takes-final-bow-ahead-of-retirement |title=SKASaC takes final bow ahead of retirement |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=21 September 2018 |website=Jane's 360 |publisher=Jane's |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012175803/https://www.janes.com/article/83208/skasac-takes-final-bow-ahead-of-retirement |archive-date=12 October 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name=crowsnest>{{cite web|url=https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15715|title=Merlins receive £269m to convert them into the Navy's 'flying eyes'|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=16 January 2017|website=Navy News|access-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330075947/https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/15715|archive-date=30 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Airborne surveillance
|-
| rowspan=2|[[824 Naval Air Squadron]]
| rowspan=2|Rotary
| rowspan=2|[[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HM2]]
| rowspan=2|RNAS Culdrose
| Conversion Training (Merlin ASW)
| rowspan=2|Will have responsibility for all conversion training for Merlin HM2<ref name=crowsnest />
|-
| Conversion Training (Merlin Crowsnest)
|-
| [[825 Naval Air Squadron]]
|Rotary
| [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat HMA2]]
| RNAS Yeovilton
|Conversion Training (Wildcat)
| Formed by merger of [[700 Naval Air Squadron|700W NAS]] and [[702 Naval Air Squadron|702 NAS]] in August 2014<ref name="wildcat">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/may/23/140523-wildcat-evolution |title=The Lynx Wildcat evolution |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=23 May 2014 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=17 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528102434/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/may/23/140523-wildcat-evolution |archive-date=28 May 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
|-
| [[845 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary
| [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HC4/HC4A]]
| RNAS Yeovilton
| Very High Readiness Medium lift
| rowspan=4|Part of [[Commando Helicopter Force|CHF]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[846 Naval Air Squadron]]
|rowspan=2|Rotary
|rowspan=2|[[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HC4]]
|rowspan=2|RNAS Yeovilton
| Extremely High Readiness Medium lift
|-
| Conversion Training (Merlin Commando)
|-
| [[847 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary
| [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat AH1]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/wildcat/847-naval-air-squadron|title=847 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy|work=mod.uk|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613071525/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/wildcat/847-naval-air-squadron|archive-date=13 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| RNAS Yeovilton
| Battlefield reconnaissance and support
|-
!colspan=6|Non-flying squadrons
|-
| [[1700 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary and fixed-wing
|
| RNAS Culdrose
| Flight deck activities, logistic and catering support, operations, engineering Support, even medical assistance
| Technical support<br />Formerly Maritime Aviation Support Force (MASF)
|-
| [[1710 Naval Air Squadron]]
| Rotary and fixed-wing
|
| [[HMNB Portsmouth]]
| Specialist aircraft repair, modification and scientific support
| Technical support
|}

An additional flying unit of the Royal Navy is the FOST Helicopter Support Unit based at [[HMS Raleigh (shore establishment)|HMS ''Raleigh'']] in Cornwall. This unit is not part of the Fleet Air Arm, but is directly under the control of [[Commander Fleet Operational Sea Training|Fleet Operational Sea Training]], operated by [[British International Helicopters]] (BIH).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://britishinternationalhelicopters.com/services/military|title=British International Helicopters – Royal Navy Contracting}}</ref> BIH also support various Royal Navy and NATO exercises with passenger and freight transfer services and transfers by hoist, for ships exercising both in the Atlantic and the North Sea.

The Royal Navy share both operational and training duties on the Lightning II with the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] under a banner organisation called the [[Lightning Force HQ|Lightning Force]], which will operate in the same manner as [[Joint Force Harrier]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/uk-lightning-force-stands-f-35b-operations-edwards-afb |title=U.K. 'Lightning Force' Stands Up F-35B Operations At Edwards AFB |last=Norris |first=Guy |date=10 February 2015 |website=Aerospace Daily |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219171540/http://aviationweek.com/defense/uk-lightning-force-stands-f-35b-operations-edwards-afb |archive-date=19 December 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Until March 2019, the Fleet Air Arm had responsibility for the [[Royal Navy Historic Flight]], a heritage unit of airworthy aircraft representing the history of aviation in the Royal Navy. The Historic Flight was disbanded on 31 March 2019, with responsibility for maintaining and operating the aircraft transferred to Navy Wings, a charitable body that also runs the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navywings.org.uk/news-blog/royal-navy-historic-flight-stands-down-after-50-years/ |title=Royal Navy Historic Flight Stands Down after 50 Years |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=29 March 2019 |website=Navy Wings |access-date=25 April 2019 }}</ref>