The Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has arrived in Hamburg for a five-day visit to reinforce the recently signed Trinity House Agreement between the UK and Germany.
This marks the first visit of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier to the port city in 13 years, highlighting a new chapter in defence collaboration between the two NATO allies, according to a Royal Navy news release.
It’s great to be here! Looking forward to a busy programme of visits, sport and defence engagement. https://t.co/3eCDU2FjZu pic.twitter.com/t4GcZNBhB8
— HMS Queen Elizabeth (@HMSQNLZ) November 18, 2024
The carrier navigated the River Elbe to reach Hamburg, following a series of military drills in the North Sea with German Navy and Army helicopters, including the NH90 and Lynx Mk88.
The exercises demonstrated the operational readiness of the two forces, with German aircraft conducting deck landing training on the ship’s expansive flight deck.
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s visit underscores the UK’s commitment to European security amidst Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. The carrier will host approximately 300 guests, including ministers, diplomats, and defence experts, serving as a venue for discussions to deepen UK-Germany cooperation. Unfortunately, I could not attend due to a mismatch in flight times.
Captain Will King, Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, expressed enthusiasm for the visit:
“Everyone on board HMS Queen Elizabeth is very much looking forward to our visit to Hamburg. Although many of our more senior sailors have visited previously and received a warm welcome, this will be the first time a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier has berthed there. As you would expect during a visit to one of our closest NATO allies, there is a busy programme of defence engagement, but everyone on the ship will get a chance to explore the city whose proud maritime heritage is very similar to our home in Portsmouth.”
The visit includes key discussions on military equipment procurement and maritime security. High-level attendees include Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, and Maria Eagle, UK Minister of Defence Procurement & Industry. The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) Think Tank and the Military Equipment Capability Cooperation (MECC) Meeting will provide forums to discuss defence strategy and joint projects.
One of the key initiatives under the Trinity House Agreement is the development of new maritime drone technologies to counter warships and submarines. The ship’s visit symbolises the start of work on these defence projects, which aim to enhance security, investment, and job creation in both nations.
At the UK Defence Journal, we aim to deliver accurate and timely news on defence matters. We rely on the support of readers like you to maintain our independence and high-quality journalism. Please consider making a one-off donation to help us continue our work. Click here to donate. Thank you for your support!
George, THEY should have organised it so you could get there!
I didn’t realise our German friends have been doing carrier landings.
Might be easier for a trip down to Liverpool when PoW stops in for a visit and open days soon. I would love to have a look around but the tickets go in moments. Oasis has nothing on a carrier visit 😀
Interesting, they don’t operate F-35b do they, indeed do they have any F-35 delivered as yet? One presumes therefore they must have pilots capable of operating the aircraft doing this then if it occurred. Otherwise maybe it’s at cross purposes. Can anyone enlighten us.
The aircraft quoted in the report are helicopters. Presumably one type operated by the German army and one by the German navy.
I prosum there are no RN/RAF air assets on board?