Nine ships, 5 squadrons of aircraft and 3,700 personnel will deploy to the Asia-Pacific region.
The deployment will include…
- HMS Queen Elizabeth
- HMS Diamond
- HMS Defender
- HMS Kent
- HMS Richmond
- RFA Tidespring
- RFA Fort Victoria
- USS The Sullivans
- HNLMS Evertsen
In addition to
- 815 Naval Air Squadron
- 845 Naval Air Squadron
- 820 Naval Air Squadron
- 617 Squadron
- VMFA-211
Plus 42 Commando, Royal Marines.
With @HNLMS_Evertsen now confirmed, here is the full line up of ships and squadrons for #CSG21.
Nine ships, aircraft from 5 squadrons & 3,700 personnel – a comprehensive Carrier Strike Group, with a sovereign British core, and our #NATO allies integrated throughout. pic.twitter.com/PPhn7V0vg0
— Commander UK Carrier Strike Group (@smrmoorhouse) April 1, 2021
HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Carrier Strike Group will deploy to the Pacific later this year, you can read more about this by clicking here.
Prior to the deployment, it is understood that the carrier strike group will go through a work-up trial off the west Hebrides range sometime in early 2021.
It is understood that the deployment will see the Carrier Strike Group sail in the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf and end up in the Pacific before returning home.
And an undisclosed Astute class y/n ?
Undoubtedly
That will never be confirmed, but someone did say that HMS Ambush will be available in the same timeframe. I would expect a USN SSN to be skulking about when its in the Pacific region as the Chinese will likely not try and miss an opportunity to collect some signature intelligence, possibly with their own subs.
Would the French like to take the opportunity to work with the Brits on such a mission?
Their rickety old subs won’t be deployed that far, no way
plus their French! at the sight of the enemy they will retreat and through baguettes and flirt with whatever hell thy could find! remember ww2?
You mean the war where the british flee at full speed while the french was in fight at dunkirk ?
Dont to be to proud because you are on an island…
Oh, now I like the French, but I really wouldn’t go ‘too far’ down the Dunkirk rabbit hole Hermes, that’s a bit of banter that could get nasty quickly and we don’t want that mate…..
Why not? Did not a young French Col bring the Germans to a halt later on? What he lacked was air power his name was…
(@Graham_Moore I think it was 51st that was put ashore again in France later in that year).
The English are not always a reliable ally, indeed, any Typhoon Baltic force deployed to Estonia WAS ordered to scarper and RTU in the UK in the event of conflict, leaving both UK and French forces bereft of air cover… again.
erm i believe the hans stopped because of hitlers orders not the french plus there tanks couldn’t not match the fire power and protection and mobility of the panzar.
We’re not talking about Dunkirk 😉
“The ‘British’ (not English) are not always a reliable Ally”
Ah well, I tried not to go down the rabbit hole……
Let’s just stick to the 20th century here….
Britain paid a ‘massive’ price in holding the line in both word wars in Europe, we helped liberate Europe TWICE, with well over a million killed, we could have looked the other way and let Germany crack on, we didnt….
My family is no different form any other British family, two grandfather’s fought in France in WW2, one gassed, two Uncles in WW2, Army and Airforce …. One, fought in Italy, then he was among the first to hit the beaches on D Day, right through to Germany.
The other DFC and bar, two tours in bomber command.
That’s a ‘fraction’ of the service paid by just my family (one of millions of normal working class British Families who answered the call), saving Europe from German aggression again and again.
You’re welcome by the way. A ‘little’ gratitude really wouldn’t go amiss sometimes…
I’m not playing Top Trumps with you over losses caused by the Wars; indeed, it is a tad too simplistic to view things through the eyes of a victor.
There’s an argument Germany could have been held in / around Normandy by a French Col.
What was his name?
The British fought at Dunkirk too. 40,000 were left behind fighting a rearguard action with 40,000 from the French army. Many of those Brits were in 51st Highland Div:https://www.thenational.scot/news/15357629.the-sacrifice-of-the-51st-highland-division-and-the-other-side-of-dunkirk/
2 words: ” French bias”
Hermes the British forces were fighting alongside allied forces on the continent and we were all beaten in that battle but for us all to evacuate as many forces as possible allowed us all to win the war which was in the interests of all countries.
Winston Churchill put it well I though:-
Can’t trust those froggies too unpredictable
Not quite the Case – Emeraude (S604) recently finished a Deployment to the SCS,ancient it certainly is but it got there,once more Suffren’s enter Service they can contribute more.
Yes, not like a SSN is always with the CVN CDG on every mission.
You are the stereotype of the perfect english. You talk without think before.
God no. The French will insist on ripping up the plans and re-planning the entire operation to suit themselves, then cancel at the last moment and form their own CSG. As usually happens with everything else… the common frigate project… Eurofighter… the carrier project…
Probably multiple USN SSNs in the region.
They should ask for a refund from whoever made that infographic, as they’ve used a Wave Class silhouette in place of a Tide Class, and a HM2 in place of a HC4.
In all serious though, this is shaping up rather nicely. Whatever your views on the cooperation with allies, it will certainly be impressive to see this lot operating at sea together. By the sounds of it, they have a lot of port visits and foreign engagements planned as well.
BZ to all involved.
still disappointed to find that we can’t make our own INDEPENDENT carrier strike group. what happened to the “great” in great Britain. Bojo really needs to get a better grip on things.
we can just be relying on our partners.
We CAN make our own independent carrier strike group; just because for this first deployment we’re choosing to sail with allies doesn’t mean we can’t do it alone.
The US Navy regularly sails with allied ships; does that mean they can’t operate alone?
The fact is that it’s far more likely in future that we will operate alongside allies; not only does it bolster numbers but a multinational force adds greater weight and legitimacy. And it makes sense for allies to work together in peacetime so that they can do so during war.
or is it jut that we don’t have enough vessels to create a “effective strike group”. This is not just a one off event. from the number of royal navy combat capable vessels shows we can not deliver a serious blow to an opposer. sure we have world class sailors but training will get you so far. even countries like India who is a 2nd world nation have a more lethal navy even without major training (not to be racist or anything). what I am trying to do is not to target a particular sector but address a more general problem. We are an island nation there for need a strong navy. Britain has been known for a formidable navy at the moment i do not think it is living up its reputation.
What Part of 2 x T45, 2 x T23’s, RFA support, and one of the worlds deadliest Hunter killer nuclear Astute boats beneath the waves with TLAM capability and 5th gen all aspect stealth fighters isn’t efficient enough for you?. Name another country that can do that apart from America?
ermm russia, china. INDIA!
Did you really say Russia!? And when did China or India do such a deployment with their carriers?
they didn’t. but they have the capabilities. and yes there old rickety INS Vikramaditya, admiral kuztanov and Lanzhou is cappable of this kinda missions.
I suggest looking at the current status of the Russian carrier. It will be scrapped before long.
Also the Chinese and Indian carriers are hampered by the aircraft they carry. The Indian carrier has mig-29s, ancient and rubbish. China has the J-15 which is a little better but no match for the F35.
so why aren’t we at the top of the list behind other NATO allies in global fire power lists?
Because it is skewed and measures only manpower and platform numbers but not equipment quality, state of training, combat experience, readiness, support arrangements, quality of doctrine etc
but training can get u so far.
also the number of platform= the state of readiness and the ability engage an enemies at different levels.
Totaly agree! Those type of aircraft cannot takeoff the deck with meaningful load!
They don’t have the capability. They don’t have 5th gen fighters to put to sea, nothing of the quality of a T45 or a T23, certainly nothing that comes close to a Astute class. And the don’t have the support and supply chain to sustain sending such a fleet to the far side of the world for a sustained period. A capable world class navy is much more than just simple numbers of vessels.
When you are are in the South China Sea the Chinese need no carriers to take out UK vessels . The have a swarm of corvettes frigates destroyers, plus land based anti ship missiles able to reach thousands of KM designed to take out carriers . Their ships are way more better armed . Get this” made in china ” cheap outdated mentality out of your head! China is keeping the Americans awake at night ? and is no match for an outdated type 23 and under armed few type 45, let’s get real people! I’m happy the UK operates carriers but I want more jets and escorts and not this embarrassment of hidding behind allies resources
Another fantasy war commentator. The UK, America and allied nations from Europe and our friends in the East like Japan, S Korea, Australia, Malaysia ect have far more capability then China can muster. Combined, there are something like 19 vessels that can put 5th gen F35 capability to sea. China has zero. We are sending a very capable carrier task group on a far east deployment. We are not starting wars, China isn’t going to fire anything at us, and the RN can handle any challenge that comes it’s way. China certainly can’t send the equivalent carrier task group west of Suez can it. Yes, its building carrier’s, but they will be very limited by the aircraft they will carry.
finally someone who has not his judgements clouded by his national pride! I thought this day would never come!
Nate honestly man, you seem to be a 21st century “Joe Dolce”character you are clearly a professional wind up artist and I say artist in the loosest sense
you don’t even speak like a Brit your use of HM English is well like probably how Joe Dolce sounds when he’s writing emails😂
🏴🇬🇧
Exactly right!
No. not even close pal
China does not have a blue water Navy. India !!!!?. And Russia Has not got enough sea-going tugs to follow the buckets that get sent out every so often. If you don’t know what a Bluewater navy is?, Google it.
You really have no idea……
Even if that was true, we would be in good company then? Out of all the worlds 195 nations.
look my point is we need to build up our forces we need to keep our reputation as the worlds foremost (or one of the) navies.
We akrwady do have a reputation as one of the world’s finest Navy’s.
Already
ya behind Frances old clunking piece of Bolani
Before you boast count the numbers of escorts that are UK vessels and not from allies. How many F35B are British on the carrier ? There you go the numbers look small for a nation trying to return to operate carriers again and won’t impress the Chinese . Many say oh the US and others operate with allies … Really ? I don’t see on the French carrier dozens of US F18s regular or Rafale on US carriers . Occasionally allies joining is fine but for the UK it’s permanent! Nothing sovereign
Ok James, i count 7 British vessels, and a
a British nuclear sub, and 2 allied vessels. NATO warships regularly train together, and provide cover for other nations carrier’s, such as T45 with a Nimitz class, a USN destroyer with the French carrier ect. This is very early day’s in the carrier’s entry to service, and F35 numbers will increase. We don’t see F18’s on the French carrier because they don’t have the same level of interoperability like we do with the USMC. The fact we can absorb another nations 5th gen aircraft, pilots and engineers is a credit to the flexibility of the QE class design and adaptability of all involved. Many other nations would give ther right arm to be able to do this. And taking 5th gen capability to sea, and sending it thousands of miles from home for an extended period, will very much impress the Chinese. Because they certainly cannot do it.
but can we provide support to our allies and defend ourselves at the same time.
Of course we can. We can put a carrier task group to sea without having to rob escorts from other RN standing task’s.
ok pal lets move away from navies. can the uk produce its own land armaments with out allied help? can it?
Can any country? The US Armies light guns are British, the service pistol Italian, and their latest fighter jet a joint venture.
Within Europe, the Germans use British Sniper Rifles, their 8x8s are a joint German-Dutch program, their ATGMs are French and Israeli, the list goes on.
The French do have Operability with the USN – F18’s have flown off of the CDG in the same way Rafales have flown off US Carriers.
Yes, but only for deck qualification. They haven’t deployed together.
Your completely missing the point ( again ) if the situation dictated it they could ,the same as the USMC on ours,they do it for a reason not just for fun.
Of course they don’t do it for fun. A QE class can plug a gab in USN resource planning. And we get extra jets until our own F35 force builds up. But no other navy could get access to such USMC resources, and they get access to a brand new 5th gen aircraft carrier designed from the Keal up to operate F35 from day one that is twice the size of a America class LPHD
You’re right. The Americans don’t trust the French enough to embark any significant assets on their carriers.
How is it not an effective strike group? 2x Type 45 destroyers and 2x Type 23 frigates, plus an Astute class submarine is a pretty potent force.
In an actual war with a peer opponent expect this to increase to 3x Type 45s and 3-4x Type 23 frigates.
By comparison, the US Navy sends a single Ticonderoga class cruiser and 2-3 Arleigh Burke class destroyers, plus a submarine, so very similar in hull numbers to what we are putting into a strike group.
By 2025 we will have 48 F35s, enough to easily put 24 onto the carrier. 24 F35s, armed with Meteor, ASRAAM, Spear 3 etc is very potent. Even more if whatever interim and future ASM is integrated onto them.
The USN sails with allied ships to give themselves and their allies training for working together not because they need the extra ships in their CVN groups. Hopefully with the Brits now deciding to arm their surface combatants with long range TLAMs or similar missiles they won’t need a USN DDG in their CV group unless for training purposes. Also arming the Brit destroyers with a BMD capability to defend against the Chicom ballistic anti ship missiles will help them too. Unfortunately there is nothing they can do regarding their help born AEW capability. Even with the new radar it will be much less capable that a fixed wing AEW aircraft like the E-2D that can fly higher, father, faster and stay on station much longer especially with the air refueling upgrade they are getting.
You will find the USN highly values the protection offered from the T45, as it’s air defence capability far exceeds anything the USN can offer until major upgrades.
And please note that the USN is currently rushing to build a (French-Italian) frigate since the LCS debacle left them with not enough escorts…
The thing is that we aren’t going to operate two carrier strike groups at once. That has never been the plan.
Two carriers guarantees us one available at all times. One in use, the other in maintenance, refit or training. So that will be 4/6 Type 45s and 2-3 out of 8 Type 26s. Against a peer or near-peer opponent that could be increased, of course.
The only time we will ever operate both carriers at once will be in a serious, SHTF brown-trousers war where either we or a major ally is under existential threat. And then that second carrier would have plenty of escorts from other NATO navies.
Not to say we can’t (we do have 19 DD/FF), but that we believe in doing things in concert with allies.
ok so literary almost ever single uk deployments had an allied ship in it.
also do you guys really think that our 79 can take on a fleet of 700 all alone with no allied help?
Bit disingenuous since that 700 number includes everything from Aircraft carriers to tugs…
We arent taking them on though are we so whats the point you are trying to make?
I would prefer to see our navy exercising in our half of the planet. I’m not sure how pacific operations defends our shore. I’m happy to assist other nations, but sending what amounts to our entire navy to the other side of the world feels as though it leaves our shores a little exposed. Or is it just me? Maybe I’m just feeling a little vulnerable at the mo.
Building/strengthening alliances and and keeping the global shipping lanes open to trade.
The crew needs experience operating far from home. The whole point of an aircraft carrier is to conduct operations beyond the reach of aircraft based in the UK. That is either East of suez or the south Atlantic.
The decision to go to the Pacific region is undoubtedly part of the UK govt’s policy of strengthening our trade relations with that part of the world.
Humm,
Perhaps you are right we may need it to fend off France and the EU as they are being increasingly hostile recently. The CSG could also have a word with their fishermen to. What is the story with that, they come from France and go into our waters and take our fish and return to France and sell our fish for their profit. Am I missing something…. otherwise I would call that nicking…
Vulnerable to what? There is no credible conventional military threat to mainland Uk…. that’s the advantage of being surrounded by friendly allied nations….
ermm have u forgotten what Merkeles have done to the vaccine exports!
Now Andrew we both come under same name so been both Andrews people will get our posts not knowing which is which at times ,but to you mate we never know what USSR are up to.?
I don’t think any commenter is allowed exactly the same name on this Forum.
You may have to take the issue up with the editor.
IT’S that or come off mate,but will look into it. Thanks for the heads up.
Theres not exactly much in our half of the globe that can even attack our shores. Only Russia and their navy isn’t exactly capable of that at the moment.
I believe a “few” Russian subs haves slipped past our defences. before being picked up literary miles from british shores. Oooo we can’t let that happen in a real war.
Did Dave down the pub tell you that? or have some Russian subs done something to spoil your day.
ermm BBC? reports few years ago. or is the BBC illegitimate in your eyes. (do apologise if i sounded rude)
Bbc ???? put the meth pipe doon son please just lay it doon??? bbc ??
????????????
i ment independent. sorry don’t know why i said bbc
Lol
here’s another proof a report from the independent a yew years back. Russian submarine heading for English Channel intercepted by Royal Navy | The Independent | The Independent
But we aren’t in a real war with Russia… and we will be able to see the buildup of the military way before, giving us time to bring things back to the uk.
isn’t that what they said about Hans in ww2. we won the war but it was close call we had the Americans to help us as well. plus. we had a reasonable force back then so it was easier to expand while keeping Hans at bay. but now we are a disgrace to our former selves the royal navy size is smaller than when it was formed back in the 1600s! if i was Britain’s mother I would reject her as my child (metaphorically speaking).
By buildup i mean their current assets being rearmed, crewed ect. We have satellites now its not hard to spy, then we could turn the carrier group around quite easily. That also involves them declaring war on the whole of NATO by attacking the UK.
I see your point but u realise we have MI6 the best intelligence agency in the world. we need to focus of MBT counts size of the navy and anti missiles system and the number of troops.
There is more than a hint of Russian about your phraseology
Hmmm, not another Kremlin Morse tapper Martyn….
if i was russian then the kgb will have arrested me by now for saying how crap their tank fleet is.
I think you haven’t got a clue pal, or are you a last gasp April fools ?
oh so u think that our 300,000 can take on china’s 2.5 million (give or take)?
Didn’t realise the Queen Elizabeth group was on its way to the South China Sea to declare war on the Chinese…. I’d say that the UK is never going to declare a military war on the Chinese…. at an absolute stretch the Uk may one day join an international coalition to deter/respond to aggressive acts in the south China seas…
Well i doute they are planning on marching that lot to the other side of the world to invade. So I wouldn’t loose any sleep over it.
Lose only has one o.
Loose is something completely different.
Nate, I assume your not British?
i am but that should not cloud my judgement.
Escorting Russian warships and subs through the English Channel is perfectly routine, and the RN has been carrying out this task for decades. They often transit through the Channel, then down to the med, and through into the black sea.
yes but the development of the zircon hyper sonic missiles leaves these obsolete. i agree that t23s are some of the best in the world but can they take con hyper sonic missiles?
Hypersonic missiles haven’t been proven to hit anything. let alone a modern warship maneuvering at range with some very capable ECM systems. Don’t believe the hype.
A Russian submarine was transiting the Channel in accordance with international law, and as is standard was escorted by a RN warship. I don’t know what that’s supposed to be proof off exactly?
If you think that Russia has Few options to Attack our shores you need to think again – they have Corvette Sized Ships that can Launch Cruise Missiles from the safety of Rivers – they don’t even need to put to Sea,they have a Multitude of Air/Sea/Undersea and Ground Launched Missiles that could disable the Military and Civilian Infrastructure within a matter of hours,do you not realise that ?.
But we are talking about the feasibility of russia attacking our waters within the timeframe of the carrier group travelling to asia and back. We still have an air force, and they will be starting ww3 right there and then. Proxy wars i would argue are feasible, especially looking at Ukraine right now. But thats not the point.
Pretty important to protect one of the world’s main trade arteries when almost all our goods are important by sea
So we are sending a carrier group to protect Chinese seaborne exports from … China?
In 2019, @ 60% of UK imports came from Europe with @11% from NAmerica and @9% from China.
There are other nations in the Far East besides China that the UK does trade with. And increase it too with those emerging nation!
Covid is just one example of how an awakening power that doesn’t follow the existing rules structure (plus still carrying a chip since Taiwan climb down) if they ever thought that we were weak it invites war like Japan/Germany years ago. We just show the flag for all the small countries in the area they are pushing around
Well, we have the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific, that British territory and people.
And along the way calling in to see allies, keep the navy training up, defending shipping lanes for trade to freely move across the world… to name a few reasons
I think maybe because with Brexit we are looking at expanding our trading reach into the Indo – Pacific. Joining various trade partnerships in that region. Freedom of navigation exercises and protecting trade routes shows solidarity, and support with of trading partners. Its not so much about defending our shores as it is protecting our interests …as in trade.
you have a point we do not have the numbers to carry campaigns on multiple fronts. at the moment I think we should focus on building up our forces, while still sending task forces to troublesome regions. for example sending a few frigates or a destroyer or 2.
We have just announced a 16bn increase in defence spending, and a 190bn equipment programme over the next ten year. Or would you be happy to pay more tax? or see less spent on the NHS, education, adult social care ect. And the economy is taking a massive hit due to COVID-19. so money is tight for everyone
At least this is real and not a tiresome April fool joke and even if it’s just a retread.
Ah, funny you say that…..
Life is a barrel of fun isn’t it? Perhaps you need a lie down.
Boring half baked non jokes are not a barrel of fun.
Neither are boring posters making half baked comments but the rest of us have to put up with them.
It’s just a bit of fun
Will 42 Cdo be at multiple company level?
You asked before me….how much of 42? I assume a detachment to fly from the CHF Merlins for SAR?
Don’t know but the Band will certainly go for those defence engagement port visits. Playing Life on the Ocean Waves, on the flight deck…
Will they transit the Suez Canal? Should be a terrific sight, if they do. No probs, I hope!
Oh God, could you imagine the headlines if she became stuck!
But I agree – seeing them move through the canal would be a sight!
It isn’t 220,000 tonnes though!
Hi folks hope all is well.
Great to see. Very impressive to see the UK at the lead.
Is it possible for other allies to join a bit later or meet-up en route? Other NATO members would be more than welcome. They need to come out of their comfort zone.
Cheers,
George
I suspect that there will be exercises with the Indian Navy, and I would lay money on some Australian involvement when in the general ASEAN area, and possibly also the Kiwis. Assuming the CSG transit the South China Sea they will certainly have some interaction with the Chinese, although not of the friendly kind!
And I would reckon they will be exercising with both Japan and South Korea, bearing in mind both countries are aiming to have F35b at sea fairly soon.
The Royal New Zealand Navy escort fleet is currently moored up at Royal Canadian Navy base on Canada’s west coast in refit so it’s extremely unlikely they’ll be able to make an appearance
New Zealand’s escort fleet, is a rather grand description of two general purpose frigates!
Japan is still a long way off of deploying F-35B’s!
They have only taken delivery of 22 out of 100 F-35A’s ordered.
Japan has not signed the full contract for the F-35B procurement yet.
It is a FMS sale, so a lot of negotiating yet!
True. But I suspect that there will be a good deal of looking at how allies can cooperate, given the USMC F35’s on board. And also a bit of “ look at our big new shiny ship, this is what you should aim to get”. Looking at the situation in Taiwan they might be in action sooner than we think.
Impressive stuff. I’d like to know how many F35s the 2 squadrons are going to bring though – 12 & 12 for the full 24 or will it be less?
As far as I know, the VMFA-211 operate 10 F5B, so I’m guessing we will match them with that number
I’m probably way out here but is 5 Squadrons, 60 aircraft ? 2 lot’s of 12 F35’s and 36 assorted Choppers ? Will there be much else left ?
I very much doubt the NAS will each field 12 aircraft. 815 NAS is Wildcat so probably only a couple of airframes on the escorts, maybe one or two on the QE. 845 is the junglie Merlins, so again a handful on QE and maybe a few on the RFA?
Some good news today in relation to the next-gen Puma replacement.
AW149 is a possibility as is the Bell 525, with the possibility of the Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf. I wonder which would be best suited for use onboard the carriers as well?
”Our teams are in constant contact with the UK acquisition authority as the United Kingdom continues to define their New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirements. Bell remains committed to providing the right solution based on those requirements and we are certain our aircraft offer the most capable and versatile performance options,” the representative said, adding that the 525 is on track to be issued its certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later this year.”
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/bell-touts-ideal-525-for-uk-new-medium-helicopter-requirement
I think either the A139, A149 or the bigger A189 or even the Airbus H175 will be suitable
We need a decent lift capability, at least 2 tons like the Puma and passenger capacity to match or exceed
Any of the above for the RAF/Army to get gear and troops into battle
Elements of, not the entire NAS for most of those.
Eight Lightnings from 617 and six from VMFA seems the be the number going around; NavyLookout’s of this opinion too.
8 ehh ? Wow, that’s the whole “We have no Planes” argument blown completely out of the water then !!!!! yes, yes it’ll also have a few Choppers too, just like the Invincible class then.
This is way beyond the Invincible class. Even a small number of F35’s is a very capable package to take around the world. Far beyond anything we could have achieved with any number of Harrier’s.
Different times, different threats, same cuts. I know you’ll choose not to see my point about a carrier three times the size of Invincible though.
I served on Invincible class, 14 Harriers was a nightmare. You had to move 5 jets just to get 1 out of the hangar. 14 F35’s will be a breeze on the QE class.
Nice Pic on my FB page this morning showing USS T R with 42 aircraft on her deck alone….. including 32 F18’s now that’s an impressive image.
They also have an impressive defence budget to go with it. And a vastly bigger economy, and no NHS to fund or other sensible social responsibilities.
Crikey mate, You think too deep ! I was merely saying how Impressive it was. lol.
Sorry pal 😄
The tilt towards Asia-Pacific indicates that a naval unit presence is proposed for the majority of the time with, occasionally, a more substantial group.
IR acknowledges that the North Atlantic remains the maritime focus, ‘primarily’ because of Russia. It’s probably worth bearing in mind, though, that the NE passage from the PRC is less than half the conventional nautical distance for a submarine and, latter maybe, surface vessel.
Ourselves and NATO are natural gate guardians this end with Japan, Canada &, most especially, Alaska, US the equivalent over there. Outside of these transit downsides for China, their flank would be pretty well covered for both the outward and return Atlantic passage by Rasputinland. Appropriately, we have strong &/or improving ties with those democratic Pacific countries mentioned.
For consideration.
The NE passage. Prior to Germany invading Russia in WW2 the Russians used ice breakers to allow German ships to use this route and thus avoid interdiction from the RN. With the retreat of the ice cap this route takes on even more importance.
I know they won’t be used but just for looking like they mean business I hope they arm at least the T23s with their harpoons, not exactly ideal leaving pretty much all the anti ship options to one sub and a couple of 4.5 inch guns
Both the T23’s and T45’s will likely carry Harpoon on this Deployment.
& The Sullivans
She is I think a flight 2 AB So she gained a Helo Hangar to go with the flight deck and lost Harpoon as a result.
So TLAM, Standard, Asroc and that’s it. I will need to check it to confirm.
Ah, late photo does not show them on the back, so could be. Likely TLAM 5 in due course, then?
Just curious is one Tide enough for a deployment of this size? I know they plan to do lots of port visits but just wondering.
It sounds like an additional Tide will provide support to the group as well, likely replenishing the replenishers. It’s also worth noting that Fort Vic has her own (agreeably limited) tanking ability.
Well this thread brightened my morning up.
The armchair Fleet Command players are out in force (from various countries.)
I did 2 Far East deployments and various others from 3 to 9 months in length to Baltic, Med, Mid East, Indian Ocean, Southlant, Northlant. ( Never made it into the deep Pacific though just to the beginning of it)
On deployments you exercise and drill with everyone and anyone who comes out to play.
On the 2 Far East trips Ocean Wave and Cougar we exercised with small navies with a couple of Patrol boats to full on multi week wargames with regional powers ( Flying Fish Exercises). Everyone gets to play, big and small because its a fantastic soft power opportunity.
So a PHOTEX opportunity with a navy of a couple of small patrol boats and a Carrier TG is worth its weight in gold for soft power and diplomatic ties.
On most deployments we had various nations FF/DD attached to the groups and parts of the group also dettached to join a USN CBG.
As to the Port Visits they will be very COVID dependent on how interactive they are which is a pity. Far East deployments used to be a rarity but the runs ashore are a thing of legend.
Most of the TG vessels do not go to the same port visits together. Between exercises you bomb burst all over the chart to do your own thing. Minor exercises with national and regional navies and a port visit. So for instance vessels could visit Singers, Kota, Brunei, Penang, Bankock, Phuket, Saigon then comeback together for a major exercise or Freedom of Navigation demonstration.
As for the naysayers… 3 Navys in the world have the capability to deploy Carrier and Amphib Groups away from home at a distance of thousands of miles and to keep them there without Naval Base Support.
China, Russia and India are regional power navies. They can take care of their own regions of interest but they cannot support or if needed fight without shore side base support. Hence the buildup in the SCS for China, remote port bases in Syria and Djibouti for Russia. India has lots of coast line in the Indian ocean but it doesn’t go and deploy outside of that area.
Welcome to the ” Nate won’t be Told show ”
Nate ..the following is fact. Aside from the USA the UK is the only country in the world that can have a full carrier strike group at sea all year round. The PLAN might be able to do it soon but whether they have the mind set to go global is doubtful, according to western analysts.
I’ve missed a cracker here. Don’t have much time to read through the lot but some real gems this morning.
I don’t know whether you’ve missed anything or not Daniele!
Morning mate. Entertainment!
Let’s hope so
Possibly the most powerful RN battlegroup to go to sea for a long time. Good luck to the crews and ships for the deployment. It is however a training/doctrine deployment and should be seen as such. At the same time this battlegroup could go to places that a US carrier group cannot go as several nations in the region have a non nuclear stance. Hopefully the Aussies and Japanese take part in the battlegroup deployment. It will also be intresting to note if the USN redeploy some of their CVNs as a major carrier group will be in the region.
They have not deployed a submarine as part of this carrier strike group — seems a little daft to me….
With the intention to maintain world peace and the legacy of the Greatest Generation, this British Carrier Strike Group reflects naval offensive capability to what Thomas Hobbes called ‘Leviathan.’
Could we soon see our battle group reassemble as a possible to say the Gibraltar area to be able to get to the eastern part of the Mediterranean and meet/join the us. 6th fleet?