Thread by @DefenceHQ

We're looking back at some of the year's most striking images showing the work of the Armed Forces in 2019. All year round the three services work at home and across the globe to keep the UK and our allies safe. #SaluteOurForces

Two of the UK’s F-35 Lightning jets fly in formation with United States stealth bombers as part of integration training with our closest ally. It was the first time the US aircraft took part in training with an ally’s F-35s. @usairforce

Every summer the troops and horses of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment head to Norfolk for a regimental training camp. The trip includes a tough regime of military training as well as a chance to let off steam on Holkham beach. @ArmyInLondon

HMS Prince of Wales, the UK’s second aircraft carrier, was commissioned into the @RoyalNavy’s fleet this year. Here, she’s shown alongside her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, at home in Portsmouth. @HMSPWLS @HMSQNLZ

In June, the Armed Forces led the nation in marking the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. D-Day veterans Harry Read and Jock Hutton parachuted into Normandy to recreate the airborne invasion that helped to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation 75 years ago. #DDay75

While members of the Armed Forces are at work around the globe, they’re on hand to keep people safe at home too. In June, @RoyalAirForce helicopters lifted tonnes of ballast to prevent further flooding in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire.

The Army’s 2019 combat power demonstration took place on Salisbury Plain in October. Personnel demonstrated how cutting-edge technology, including drones, cyber and artificial intelligence, all contribute to the Army’s world-class capability. @BritishArmy

This year, the @RoyalMarines put the England women’s football team through their paces ahead of their inspirational performance at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Millions watched the England team reach the semi-finals in France. @Lionesses

Royal Navy personnel and Royal Marines took part in an exercise with nine NATO nations off the coast of Estonia this summer. Here a Royal Marine jumps from a Merlin helicopter to reach an inflatable landing craft during an amphibious landing exercise.

A fleet of helicopters flew into Colchester for soldiers and aircrew to practice planning and executing air assault operations. Chinooks and Apaches from the @RoyalAirForce and the @ArmyAirCorps delivered troops and equipment during the exercise.

Three F-35 Lightning fast jets flew from RAF Marham to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus this May. The exercise allowed the @RoyalAirForce to prepare for deploying F-35s, including refuelling and logistical support.