A British carrier strike group, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, is working alongside Norway to defend the northern regions of NATO.
The Norwegian Armed Forces tweeted “We don’t stand alone in defending the northern regions”.
Their tweet added: “HMS Queen Elizabeth and Norwegian air- and surface units operate outside the Norwegian coast. In a time of war or crisis we have to be able to defend our sea lines of communications. These operations strengthen our readiness.”
–We don’t stand alone in defending the northern regions 🇳🇴🤝🇬🇧@HMSQNLZ and Norwegian air- and surface units operate outside the Norwegian coast.
In a time of war or crisis we have to be able to defend our sea lines of communications. These operations strengthen our readiness. pic.twitter.com/bQ6B04bNx6
— Norwegian Armed Forces | Forsvaret (@Forsvaret_no) October 4, 2023
Navigating the Fjords with our Norwegian allies 🇳🇴 #JEFtogether @Forsvaret_No #UKCSG23 in the High North ❄️ pic.twitter.com/zINWRr6LsX
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) October 4, 2023
In addition, F-35Bs launched from HMS Queen Elizabeth for air and land missions with Norway, exercising along the Norwegian coast.
F-35Bs launch from @HMSQNLZ for air and land missions with Norway 🇳🇴 exercising along the Norwegian coast.
The Jets employed common fighter tactics, such as Air to Air Tactical Intercepts.
Working together 🤝 with 5th gen partner nations.#UKCSG23 pic.twitter.com/wt9JybKjDP
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) October 10, 2023
What is HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Carrier Strike Group doing?
The Royal Navy say that the aircraft carrier, crewed by up to 900 sailors, with her F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters and Merlin helicopters, is leading a mixed group of warships from various nations in the waters of northern Europe.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“The UK leadership of this international strike group shows the strength of our commitment to working with Allies to promote security in Europe and demonstrate our resolve against any threat from potential adversaries.
With both HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales deployed simultaneously, the Royal Navy sends a strong message that the UK’s capability for carrier operations is among the strongest in the world.”
The first phase saw the carrier’s deployment saw F35 fighter jets taking part in Exercise Cobra Warrior, the RAF’s largest bi-annual exercise, including aircraft from the Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, and the UK taking part in joint exercises.
The 18-day exercise involved RAF Typhoon and F35 jets, A400M and C17 transport aircraft, and Voyager air tankers, developing interoperability alongside allied aircraft and practicing integration between fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft across air, sea, and land.
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, said:
“It is with much eagerness that the UK Carrier Strike Group is now assembling for deployed operations – the first time the UK CSG will be under my command. This autumn’s deployment showcases the UK’s capability to operate at range from the UK and demonstrates our continued commitment to North Atlantic security.
The Carrier Strike Group is an agile and highly capable force and we are excited to be heading to the North Sea and North Atlantic along with our International Partner Nations to reinforce security across the region.”
I think some people were speculating QNLZ was to be diverted to help with the crisis in Israel. Navy Lookout has a piece suggesting the LRG(S) is en route to the Eastern Med, currently comprising RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay with Marines and 3 Merlin Mk4s. If I recall correctly HMS Duncan is already in the vicinity. I don’t think we need an aircraft carrier there anyway. If we need to provide humanitarian assistance or undertake civilian evacuation, the UK’s primary casualty receiving ship, Argus, and a large multi-role amphibious Bay seem far better suited. In the unlikely event… Read more »
Strike group? Half a dozen F35’S AND A FEW TOMAHAWKS LOBBED FROM A SUBMARINE. Wouldn’t scare Thailand.
Interesting article- I’m hoping they are only conducting these close inshore missions for the photo opportunities and the reassurance of NATO allied populations. A QEC carrier should be out at deep sea where she can project a concentric defence radar and battlesphere and detect and engage incoming threats. Operating close inshore is the very last place a QEC should be, in a time of conflict.
well done.. you have the mind of Nelson!
I think HMS Lancaster is their also so with Duncan we have a decent presence in the area. The US is sending the Ford, no other carrier presence is required.
Even so what has the uk force bringing that the Americans don’t already have?