The first of eight F-35B jets from No. 617 Squadron have landed on Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

UK F-35B Fighter Jets operating from HMS Queen Elizabeth will join Operation Shader in the fight against Daesh, you can read more about that here.

According to ther Ministry of Defence:

“F-35B Lightning fast jets will be the cutting edge of the Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG21) formidable power in the air. These are next generation multi-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and stealth technology, enabling them to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks.”

This will be first time UK fighter aircraft are embarked on an operational aircraft carrier deployment since 2010 and will be the largest number of F-35Bs ever go to sea when joined by American jets.

American jets augment HMS Queen Elizabeth air wing

What is the Carrier Strike Group doing?

HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Carrier Strike Group deployment will feature visits to India, Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore.

According to the Ministry of Defence, on the 28-week deployment spanning 26,000 nautical miles the Carrier Strike Group will conduct engagements with Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Japan and India as part of the UK’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region.

Additionally, ‘CSG21’ will participate in NATO exercises such as Exercise Steadfast Defender, and provide support to NATO Operation Sea Guardian and maritime security operations in the Black Sea.

HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea with a mix of British and American jets.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“When our Carrier Strike Group sets sail next month, it will be flying the flag for Global Britain – projecting our influence, signalling our power, engaging with our friends and reaffirming our commitment to addressing the security challenges of today and tomorrow. The entire nation can be proud of the dedicated men and women who for more than six months will demonstrate to the world that the UK is not stepping back but sailing forth to play an active role in shaping the international system of the 21st Century.”

The Carrier Strike Group.

Units from the Carrier Strike Group are expected to visit more than 40 countries and undertake over 70 engagements, say the Ministry of Defence.

“HMS Queen Elizabeth, the most powerful surface vessel in the Royal Navy’s history, will next month set sail as the flagship of a Carrier Strike Group. Joining her will be a surface fleet of Type 45 destroyers, HMS Defender and HMS Diamond, Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Kent and HMS Richmond, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s RFA Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring. Deep below the surface, a Royal Navy Astute-class submarine will be deployed in support, armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Providing a cutting edge on the carrier’s flight deck will be eight state-of-the-art RAF F-35B Lightning II fast jets. Alongside will be four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters – the greatest quantity of helicopters assigned to a single UK Task Group in a decade. And supporting below deck will be a company of Royal Marines Commandos. A US Navy destroyer, a frigate from the Netherlands and a squadron of US Marine Corps F-35B jets are also fully integrated.”

British Carrier Strike Group heading to Pacific this year

Additional remarks from the statement explain the “Indo-Pacific tilt”.

“CSG21 will be a truly global deployment, from the North Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific. In Parliament, the Defence Secretary will explain how it will help achieve the UK’s goal for deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific region in support of shared prosperity and regional stability – a stated aim of the Government’s recently published Integrated Review into foreign, defence, security and development policy.

The forthcoming deployment will bolster already deep defence partnerships in the region, where the UK is committed to a more enduring regional defence and security presence. Ships from the Carrier Strike Group will participate in Exercise Bersama Lima to mark the 50th anniversary of the Five Powers Defence Agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Engagements in Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Japan and India will provide the opportunity for strengthening our security relationships, tightening political ties and supporting our UK exports and International Trade agenda.”

The carrier and her escorts will head to Scotland shortly for Exercise Strike Warrior to test her capabilities before heading to the Asia-Pacific.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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julian1
julian1
2 years ago

I think i read last week that the helos landed before QE left Pompey. why was this, why didn’t they join her in the Solent? Guessing it was so she had cabs on the deck for the press?

captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago
Reply to  julian1

Hello mate, I think it was because it was the plan really.

Julian1
Julian1
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

Don’t they usually embark/desembark from the Solent? That was the thrust of my question

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  julian1

Thinking back am I right in recalling Invincible and Hermes departed Pompey with Sea Kings and SHAR’s already embarked?

Julian1
Julian1
2 years ago

Yes they did when they sailed south. Not sure whether that was routine or more likely for the cameras.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
2 years ago
Reply to  Julian1

I’d say for the cameras, your earlier point.

PR and basic public perception is important. Look at the number of comments on UKDJ about numbers of British F35 and all the other moans and groans at the slightest issue spoiling perfection as they see it.

Nothing on the flight deck and it would be worse.