British carrier jets to practice ‘striking’ mainland Europe

As the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group prepares for a major global deployment in 2025, there’s a bit of action-movie excitement about what’s coming up next.

During Exercise Strike Warrior, the UK’s advanced F-35B Lightning jets are gearing up to take off from HMS Prince of Wales and fly simulated strike missions into mainland Europe. While it’s all part of an intense training exercise, the idea of British jets “striking” Europe adds a bit of drama to the drills.

According to a news release:

“The UK Carrier Strike Group will operate with NATO warships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, the alliance’s premier task force in Northern European waters – throughout Strike Warrior.

The two task forces will test tactics across a range of scenarios, including anti-submarine warfare, countering attacks from uncrewed systems, air defence exercises, pilot rescues and practising sailing through narrow straits while under threat. While all of this takes place, F-35B jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron will be flying sorties, carrying out mock long-range strikes into mainland Europe.”

The exercise, taking place in the North Sea, is designed to make sure the task group is ready for anything ahead of next year’s deployment. It’s been a few years since the UK’s last global carrier deployment, so this is a big moment for the Carrier Strike Group.

Powerful British Carrier Strike Group assembles off Scotland

It’s also a significant moment for 809 Naval Air Squadron, who are returning to sea aboard HMS Prince of Wales for the first time since the squadron was reformed. Commander Nick Smith, the squadron’s Commanding Officer, said, “The 5th Generation capability we bring ranges from projection of firepower ashore to support of other theatre assets or defence of the task group.”

Translation: these jets can handle a lot, from hitting targets on the ground to defending the fleet itself. And these practice strikes in Europe are aimed at sharpening their skills.

Eagles attack the fleet! 🦅✈️

Carrier Strike Group proves its ability to direct fighter jets to protect the fleet in Air Defence Exercises.

This included fighter jets from 🇬🇧/🇺🇸/🇨🇦 and Draken.#StrikeWarrior #USAF #WeAreNato pic.twitter.com/zVjUYaYWrh

— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) October 10, 2024

While the jets won’t actually be flying over European cities, the idea of British planes soaring off the carrier and “striking” Europe adds some flair to the otherwise serious drills.

These are the kinds of scenarios that prepare the jets and their pilots for real missions, so it’s a vital part of the training. Plus, it’s a first for 809 Squadron since its reformation, making it even more exciting for the pilots.

Over the next couple of weeks, the F-35Bs will be busy flying these long-range mock strikes and handling other high-pressure scenarios. The aim here is making sure the Carrier Strike Group is ready for whatever comes their way when they set off on their global deployment next year.

Image LPhot Unaisi Luke, Crown Copyright 2024.