F-35 Joins HMS Queen Elizabeth

[dexter]

British F-35B aircraft and crew from 617 Squadron have joined up with HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time. Pilots, engineers and support staff from 617 Squadron, the UK's operational strike squadron, joined the aircraft carrier over the weekend, before four Lightning fighter jets landed on board after flying from RAF Marham.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is undergoing sea trials for her Global Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment next year. The F-35Bs and crew on board will now be required show the fighter jets can defend the aircraft carrier through short-notice take-offs and combat air patrols, which involve launching from the ship to conduct strike missions against an enemy.

 

[Ali_Baba]

Excellent news. This has been a LONG LONG LONG time coming. Building new aircraft carries, new battle groups to go with the carrier has taken close to 2 decades. Finally, HMS QE is getting her fighting teeth.

Soon, the UK will be able to field 2 modern state of the art, latest tech, battle groups. Combine this, with the Astutes, Type 45, etc.. you have a very lean modern setup.

But, boy has it taken a long time to get here !!!!

I wanted to go and see HMS QE when she was in dock, but Covid has ruined my plans for this year. Hopefully soon!!