British stealth jets in night time carrier operations

As part of the ongoing Exercise Strike Warrior, Royal Navy’s 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) and Royal Air Force 617 Squadron have been conducting intensive night flying operations with F-35B Lightning Fighter jets aboard HMS Prince of Wales.

Captured in a striking image, personnel from both squadrons are seen carrying out essential pre-flight checks on the jets, a crucial part of the Carrier Qualifications (CQ) process.

Image photographer POPhot Alex Ceolin, Crown Copyright 2024.

This marks the first time 809 NAS has embarked on one of the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. Over the next few weeks, these exercises will help pilots earn their carrier qualifications, ensuring they can launch and land the jets safely in various conditions, including night operations.

The personnel are also trained to integrate with the ship’s crew, growing accustomed to the demanding routine of life at sea.

The exercise will intensify in the coming days, as HMS Prince of Wales is joined by allied NATO warships and support vessels to form a full Carrier Strike Group. This joint operation is aimed at testing the group’s ability to conduct seamless, multi-domain military operations, highlighting the UK’s defence capabilities alongside its NATO partners.

What is Strike Warrior?

Exercise Strike Warrior is a major naval training event held by the Royal Navy, designed to enhance combat readiness and strengthen interoperability among allied forces. Taking place off the coast of Scotland, the exercise involves a wide array of naval assets, including surface ships, submarines, and air units, such as the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, plays a central role, alongside other vessels like HMS Iron Duke. The training scenarios during Strike Warrior include simulated air and missile attacks, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat exercises, providing a rigorous test of the fleet’s capabilities.

The exercise also serves as a crucial preparation stage for future deployments, ensuring that the Royal Navy and its allies remain ready to respond to global threats.

It brings together forces from NATO allies and partner nations, fostering coordination and tactical skill development among participants. By simulating high-intensity combat operations, Strike Warrior aims to ensure that participating units, including aircraft, frigates, and destroyers, are well-prepared to meet the challenges of naval warfare.