The Fulmar was also deployed in other theatres, including the Eastern Front. The type was a common constituent of the numerous Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union. Fulmars also played a prominent role in Operation EF, the ill-fated air raid on Axis-held facilities Kirkenes and Petsamo conducted during July 1941. During early 1942, multiple Fulmar-equipped squadrons were deployed to the Pacific Theatre in response to the Japanese advance in the Far East, while two such squadrons were dispatched to defend Ceylon. However, upon engaging with the nimble and lightly-armoured Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter and Aichi D3A Val dive bomber, the Fulmar quickly proved to have been outclassed against the Zero and six Fulmars were lost in exchange for four Aichi D3A Vals and one Nakajima B5N Kate. Despite this, further Fulmars were dispatched to the Far East to continue to oppose the Japanese.