British stealth jets have flown simulated strike missions into Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from HMS Queen Elizabeth.
F-35B stealth jets from 617 Squadron, launched from HMS Queen Elizabeth, are central to the United Kingdom’s strategy for projecting power in defence of NATO.
Operating in strategically vital regions, particularly the Baltics, these missions emphasise the UK’s readiness to support NATO’s collective defence objectives. The deployment of these cutting-edge jets along with their aircraft carrier, not only acts as a significant deterrent to potential adversaries but also reinforces the UK’s role in ensuring the security and stability of NATO member states.
UK F-35Bs fly simulated Strike missions into Estonia 🇪🇪, Latvia 🇱🇻 and Lithuania 🇱🇹 from the UK Carrier Strike Group.#UKCSG23 #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/CdGAEmytVJ
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) November 11, 2023
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, said:
“Deterrence and defence of the Euro Atlantic is at the heart of NATO, and our enhanced vigilance activity with Neptune Strike is a clear demonstration of that. This is the first time a UK Carrier Strike Group has been commanded by NATO in my memory, so this is momentous for the UK and the alliance. I look forward to a full week of activity ahead, and much more in the future; we are stronger together.”
The UK Carrier Strike Group along with allies 🇳🇱🇩🇪 demonstrates Defence and Deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic, as part of credible @NATO formation in @STRIKFORNATO. #NeptuneStrike ⚡️ #UKCSG23 #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/bxMFqf3SnM
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) November 10, 2023
We recently reported that HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Carrier Strike Group have showcased their round-the-clock operational capability in a new video. The video, posted on Twitter by the official account of the UK Carrier Strike Group, offers a rare glimpse into the intense and steadfast nature of maritime operations.
Day or night – the UK Carrier Strike Group is ready!@OC617Sqn, @820NAS & @847NAS
Check it out 👇#UKCSG23 #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/PMazVHMstI
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) November 8, 2023
What is the Carrier Strike Group doing?
The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, recently completed the first phase of its autumn deployment. This involved participating in a series of simulated strike missions in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea alongside international naval partners.
“HMS Queen Elizabeth and her embarked jets and helicopters have proven their ability to provide the “punch” of the UK Carrier Strike Group during a series of simulated strike missions alongside international partners”, the press release stated.
Joining the aircraft carrier for these combat simulations were several ships from the UK and allied nations. Among these were the Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tideforce, Norwegian ships HNoMS Otto Sverdrup and HNoMS Maud, Dutch ships HNLMS De Zeven Provincien and HNLMS Van Amstel, and the Belgian frigate BNS Louise Marie.
Expect the unexpected. They are clearly not expecting an attack from NATO and/or crarriers. That said this is exactly the response should Russia attack the Baltic states.The Russians do need to know not an inch of NATO soil will be surrendered.
Does Latvia have high level air defence? Radar possibly but this story is not saying what NATO forces in Almari and Sauliai did in response? There is also a Latvian airbase at… at… Lielvarde that can now, iirc, handle NATO Fast Air.
So between NATO fast air and radar, were the strikes intercepted?
What was the flight time? Time for interdiction?
Russian AF are literally a stones throw from all three Baltic States.
Is this NATO blowing smoke up Russia’s hoop because it sounds like it is.
Robert Blay?
We and other NATO countries provide fast jet defence to the Baltics. Presumably it is to test that plus combining with local ground forces to repel any invaders?
My point as detailed.
And the result?
There never going to release the results positive or negative. This is more about optics than anything, but I’m sure there were lessons to be learnt on both the attacksrs and defenders side. I’m sure China and Russia will be taking every chance they can get to have a sniff at the f35 to understand how effective its stealth is and what are its weaknesses. Not that Russia will ever be a serious threat again. It just won’t have the money to be able to rebuild after this war.
Semi-random thoughts/questions:
Best wishes to all on Armistice Day/Veterans Day. 😊
CSG operating in North Sea or Baltic. Have understood that it is not perhaps best practice to operate w/in confined, relatively shallow littoral water, unless absolutely necessary.
If RN escorts are unavailable, does the Admiralty have input into the quality/quantity of allied escorts assigned? 🤔. The QE class is a substantial national asset.
First flight of B-21 Raider on Friday, 10 Nov 23 from Plant 42 at Palmdale to Edwards AFB. 😊. A major milestone in the next era of strategic bombers.
Congrats on the Raiders!
Other points are noted and should be answered.
This artivke is hoop smoke.
👍 Momentary pause decoding artivke into article. 😁
Old English😄
Best to you ex USAF from South Africa.Chatting to my ex USN submariner friend now retired in Phoenix.
Congrats on the B21 first flight, fingers crossed it delivers in numbers able to replace the B1 and B2. Any chance you will sell us a few 😀 As for North Sea, not that much choice for us on operating in contested littoral sea environments, it’s largely where the are of operation will be for us in any conflict. Much the same as WW2 where we hand to build armoured carriers with smaller air groups. As for the quality of ASW assets they are very good and just because the carrier is under NATO command does not mean the captain… Read more »
Personally, would be pleased if RAF could operate a Squadron to Wing of B-21s; approve of all measures to complicate the plans of the Orcs and the scum-bag, slimeball ChiComs! 👍😁 Latest official estimate (Dec 22) of acquisition cost is approximately $700M/copy.
Longer term, when RN has completed planned upgrades to T-45s, completed development of T-83, and completed acquisition of T-26 class, adequate escort requirements for CSGs should become a relative non-issue. However, composite NATO escort groups of variable quality, could be a potential near-term issue. 🤔
The Spanish F100. The Dutch and Italians have the next best multi purpose surface escorts available.
I personally would love to see the RAF with some B1s better than bone yard .Not going to happen but still one can dream 🌌
I think I read somewhere the order quantity for B21’s was planned to be 220 at @ $800 Million per aircraft ? is that right ? That’s $176 Billion by my calculation…… Read it yesterday on another site that had a comparison with the B2 but all I can see is an initial order for 100 with other figures of 145, 175 and 200 being mentioned. Staggering costs involved either way especially with life time maintenance and operating costs. 😮
As stated in a previous post, latest official estimate of acquisition cost is $700M/copy, w/ an estimated 30 yr. program cost of $203+B for development, purchase and operation and maintenance (always subject to revision). Official plan is the acquisition of 100 aircraft; believe everyone associated w/ program has a private preference for additional copies. Personal preference (depending upon results of successful test program), would be a production run of 750, slightly exceeding production of B-52s (however, that will never become reality). 🤔😳😉
We’ve discussed this before, but still of the opinion that Japan. Aus and Canada should be given the opportunity to purchase said beast, despite the costs, would add huge capability to their respective forces and give the opposition something serious to chew over,!
Agree in theory. Don’t believe either the Australians, or especially the Canadians, are willing, or even capable of purchase, given current defence/defense budgets. Canadians have not yet been persuaded to spend even the 2% floor agreed by all of NATO. Remember, these are the approximate cost of a B2 T-26 frigate. However, the Japanese are in the process of doubling their budget. Hmmm…🤔
The Germans are also significantly increasing their budget, but uncertain how various parties would react to Luftwaffe strategic bombers. 🤔😳😱😉
Yes theory is all wonderful I know. Agree Canada likely to go ahead, perhaps an unfair comment, but they continue to benefit from the US shield!
I think that perhaps Aus should have bought some 25 less F35As and put the money into 10-14 B21s. Dont really think that the F35 can deliver what they need range wise despite the purchase of LR AGM. I know timing all wrong and obs costs.
Really don’t think B21 is needed in Europe, other than UK, they won’t be getting involved with China if and when
Japan on the other hand…
Should say Canada unlikely..
Canada is asleep at the wheel. They have been for decades. Almost total apathy to anything defense related.
The USAF has already stated there are ‘no limits’ to collaboration or export sales of the B-21 to Australia if they choose to buy in and participate. The same statement could be made for the UK, which already has far higher collaboration programs (Trident/Next Gen Boomer sub co-development). The issue is cost. The MOD selling the idea of needed strategic bombers to the UK public/Treasury is the highest obstacle.
If Aus got B21s that would be something, personally I can’t see it .
Yes, perhaps a succinct characterization of US allies re next gen weapon systems would be a collective sense of ‘sticker shock.’ 😳😱
Yes and the UK is increasing our budget 🤗
Sound like the UK need to get Vulcan to the Sky again .🤗
It would be interesting to know where the carrier was when she launched the aircraft. Copenhagen to Tallin is approximately a 1000 mile round trip, exceeds the combat radius of the jets. Tanker support wasn’t mentioned, so perhaps they were already in the Baltic?
But as @FUSAF notes below,not best practise to place your carrier in such confined waters.
👍, Baltic may be an especially precarious place for any CSG (RN/USN) to sail in harm’s way. 🤔
Why? It has friendly air support from all sides. The eastern med is far more hazardous. Both RN/USN have operated there recently.
Any and all confined, relatively shallow bodies of water, bordering/near potential near-peer/peer opponents, should be evaluated closely for cost/benefit ratio of operations. Personally believe Baltic ops could prove to be a significant wartime ‘missle magnet.’
How many F35Bs participated in each ‘strike’? I woukd be interested in mission turnaround with just 8 airframes, and presumably QE was purely reliant on her escorts for protection as clearly 8 is barely enough to maintain any constant CAP.
617 squadron (Dambusters) is as far as I’m aware RAF, whatever happened to the Fleet air arm?
617 is a JOINT RAF/RN Sqn and has alternate commanders who swap over from time to time.
alternate RAF/RN commanders…
Bah, beat me to it. 👌
👍.
I’m sure the techies in the crew room aren’t impressed. Working on an airfield that can sink. Didn’t tell you that at the CIO when they signed on the dotted line. I wouldn’t have been impressed swimming for home, 4 Shed at Scampton was quite comfortable thank you very much. Only a 10min walk to the NAAFI.
Eh?
Heh, heh it’s crabspeak me ol cocker. Navy’s rubbing off, cor what a bucket of spume. 😂
Eh, anyone watching the festival on the telly? Spouses and kids had me in bits 😟.
Aircraft carriers have been known to sink. RAF airfields haven’t sunk yet. When I completed my 3yrs at Halton, you were sure of going to an airfield that was on solid ground. Non of this bobbing around in a glorified tin can malarky.
I beg to differ JJ. In the SAAF, our air base on occasion had sinkholes- once on the northern edge of the runway. Most of the assets were loose wing or light aircraft, so the auxiliary grass strip became popular for a week or two.
There is one stationary ‘aircraft carrier’ that the US is absolutely counting on not sinking beneath the waves:. HMS UK. Believe all parties would be more reassured if it were equipped w/ more robust AD. 🤔😉
Absolutely 👍
How the other half live.
The Fleet Air Arm still exists, it no longer has its own fast jets. I doubt the RN would have a budget to run them.
617 Sqn has RAF owned jets ( I believe ) and the personnel are from both services. Wider Joint Force Lightning is also RAF, RN.
Ok thanks 👍
809 Sqn FAA standing up next month 👍
Ok thanks, have you any information on how many F35BS we’re likely to get, as far as I’m aware we are still committed to having 74 at some point in the near future, the 138 we were supposedly committed to purchasing seems a bit fanciful to say the least.
Well 74 should eventually gaurantee 3 F35B squadrons by 2030, at a pinch anyway… 3 x12 Aircraft front line squadrons 36 airframes 1 X OCU 8 airframes 10 ‘ish’ in use reserves to keep the above operational 3 trails aircraft = 57 That only leaves 17 for the maintenance reserve, in my opinion, not enough to sustain the fleet. So, are we considering smaller squadrons? Three 9 aircraft Squadrons would leave 26 for the maintenance reserve, that’s a better figure, but still rather tight. A buy of 100 would allow for four fully sustainable 12 aircraft front line Squadrons. It’s… Read more »
The plan very much seem to be around drones and loyal wingmen making up the balance. You get a lot of utility with a carrier that has 12 F35B onboard and 30+ drones for a pretty small operating cost.
A QE class with 12 F35 on board is a bit of a waste though, almost like a LHD. Wasp class carries 20 in sea control asset
Wasp class would really struggle with 20 F35Bs. QEC wouldn’t break a sweat with 12 F35Bs. That’s the difference.
We are not committed to 74. We are getting 48 with order “options” on the remaining 26.
Correct Geoff. Mojave would be a far better option than more F-35Bs considering the endless delays and ever increasing costs, if all goes to plan that is. Sept 2023 As of 1 May 2023, the UK had taken delivery of 31 F35-Bs, with a total of 48 due to be delivered by the end of 2025 as part of an initial ‘Tranche 1’ order. The MoD has confirmed its intention to place a further ‘Tranche 2’ order for 27 aircraft, bringing the total fleet size to 74. “Walters said that the “biggest thing” the MQ-9B STOL aircraft could offer Carrier Strike Group… Read more »
Mojave would be a complete waste of money if MQ-9B STOL was also available. All indications suggest that Mojave is only being tested to shape a potential MQ-9B STOL programme. Neither drone is particularly well suited to contested airspace so Mojave’s much touted ability to carry 16 hellfires won’t be of any use against a peer opponent, especially when you read the fine print. It needs a long runway to hoist weapons. It couldn’t even consistently take off from the deck of a carrier with 12 Hellfires, much less carry enough fuel for a mission at the same time. Wind… Read more »
Do’t forget the added lift from the ramp. I doubt we would be trialing it in the first place if it could not perform the tasks it says it can. “The Mojave completed its first test flight in summer of 2021, and was formally unveiled by GA on December 9, 2021. It is being developed to fulfill the role of an unmanned combat aerial vehiclethat can operate from more rugged terrain with a combat loadout, while also offering the option to be outfitted with various electronic systems to assist ground troops. Some of these roles include signal intelligence(SIGINT) and moving… Read more »
My concern all along Nigel, as you know, is that we’ll ever get enough F35’s to do even half a job. At best we are looking at three squadrons by 2030 for the RAF and the RN which is feeble if we are pretending to be global Britain. Drones are probably the answer in part. Whether Mojave is the right one I don’t know. As it’s taken us ten years to get one squadron of eight on one carrier I’m not holding my breath.
“it’s taken us ten years to get one squadron of eight on one carrier I’m not holding my breath.”
With tech refresh 3, Block 4,Meteor and Spear all onboard by 2029/30 at present, I wonder how long it will take to install the new engines to power and cool these upgrades on all of the F-35s we will eventually have and at what cost?
That’s good news. My Dad FAA 1940-45.
Excellent news Paul! just in time for Xmas.
Good to hear 😏
Yes Daniele just a few Hawks now, RNAS Yeovilton is a lot quieter these days without the Harriers, we still get Hawks flying around and Wildcat’s, Merlin’s, Puma’s and Chinooks and almost daily Atlas and Quinetic flights together with the Cobham Falcons from Bournemouth, but rarely any F35’s. Interesting flights in the early hours lately but nothing shows up on Flightradar, The engines have a distinctly American sound, if that makes any sense.
After spending past few months working near lakenheath there noisy to say least
Something big I guess?
I’ve seen B52’s and F15’s also a few F35’s in daytime but haven’t a clue what goes over at night but it’s a noticeable increase in flights.
Good to see that the RN has secured funding for this sort of high-intensity training, which can only benefit the crews and the aircrew involved.
There is no mention of it, but I wonder if a Crowsnest equiped Merlin or two took part?
So with hopefully 2x QE available for the North Sea, CdG and Cavour in the Mediterranean and multinational escorts, Western Europe should in theory have the local CSG roles covered? Because at the cost of the Gerry Fords and or LIFEX/refuel of a Nimitz I can’t see even the US affording 1 for 1 carrier replacements. Maybe drop down to 8/9?
It should be enough, but that all depends on if China is stupid and tries to invade and occupy Taiwan. The US would need as many carriers as they could spare.
USN committed to acquisition of 4 Ford class carriers, thus far. Crystal ball somewhat hazy re future commitments. Probably a logical reason behind abiding USMC/USN interest in future development and deployments of QE class. 🤔 One potentially viable alternative to fleet carriers, informally discussed, may be augmentation w/ auxiliary, Lightning (F-35B) equipped carriers (LHAs). Perhaps not an ideal scenario, but needs occasionally must. 🤔😳
They could fit wires and ramps. The QEs are the same size as the old Forrestals. Much more economic to run.
Very difficult for an outsider to forecast RN’s future funding profile sufficiently accurately to predict extent of possible QE class mid-life refits/upgrades. Agree that the USN could fare much worse than build some upgraded QE class carriers. USN would be able to purchase a rather large amount of diesel fuel w/ the estimated $8-10B acquisition cost differential. Confidently predict cadre of ye olde USN admirals would be less than happy campers w/ such a course of acquisitions.
Hi formerUSAF, my memory is terrible but I’m sure I read somewhere that you could be looking into keeping some Nimitz on longer term which could help I would have thought, if I find the link IL tell you 👍
Yes, read an article to that effect. SSNs/SSBNs have a finite lifetime, given current technology; not certain re possible constraints w/ nuclear powered surface vessels (carriers, cruisers)
Nimitz already have 50 year service and I can’t believe they would extend past that.
The navy itself almost scrapped the Harry S Truman refuelling in 2019 to save money. It was only Congress that kept its funding in place.
The same Congress that keeps the A10 in place and directs that the Iowa class must be maintained in condition for reactivation.
I can’t imagine the navy wants CVN with more than 50 years service on the books.
I think it’s dawning on US military planners that if the carriers need so many fixes and have to operate very far off the Chinese coast in a war maybe it’s better to double down on long range land based aircraft like B21 and forward based short take of aircraft like F35B.
The F18 is a perfectly nice plane, reliable and cheap but it’s not really scaring anyone. It’s become the Fairy Swordfish of the 21st century.
Meanwhile the America class LHD can operate two squadrons or more of F35 for 20% of the cost of a Ford Class.
Oh dear God……………😂😂😂😂….”F18 has become the Fairy Swordfish of the 21st century”….. “But it’s not really scaring anyone”…….. 😆 It’s the gift that just keeps giving…. I love waking up and having a look in here, you never quite know what you’ll find ! Comedy Gold,👏
Mark One, Just a quick question🤔 the Russian aircraft portrayed in the film ‘ Maverick’ Sukhoi SU-57 Felon Top ! Is it fact or fiction ? Dam scarey stuff !
For me the aircraft today that can stop and hover mid flight,turn on a penny as apposed to traveling in one direction have totaly change the game in the air, how long before we stop using bullets and start using lazers.( im sure D.A.R.P.A are busy on that one😉)
F/A-18 E/F predicted to remain viable into the 2030’s, especially w/ newer stand-off weapons. CSGs are well protected, however, there is always the issue of the ‘golden BB.’ A bottom-line issue is the number of carriers that USN could lose (or afford to lose) in a no-holds-barred conflict in SCS. Would that lead almost inevitably to escalation to another level?
Am I correct in thinking the USN are undertaking a major upgrades on the F18? Seems pretty much fit for purpose to me.
‘Super duper Hornet’ apparently.
😁
Nice one Louis! 😆
Integration of additional long-range weapons?
not sure – but I would not be surprised
The US will only have 2 America class capable of operating 20 F35Bs as all the rest will have well docks so can’t.
Didn’t a swordfish disable the Bismarck for his final undoing?
Yes and contrary to popular belief, they were a modern aircraft at the time, introduced just 3 years before the War and produced until the end, It was also used to attack the Italian fleet in Toranto to great effect, as noted by the Japanese at the time.
Depends if the European strategic goals align with American ones. Eg, if European powers don’t feel the same need as the Americans about backing Israel to the hilt, then CDG, Cavour and Trieste being in the Med will do nothing to cover American CSG roles.