United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group

United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group. A Carrier Strike Group is the principal power projection formation of the Royal Navy, centred on one of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. The concept, revitalised after the retirement of the Invincible-class aircraft carrier, represents the United Kingdom's return to fixed-wing carrier aviation and forms a core element of the national defence strategy. Its deployments are designed to support NATO collective defence, reinforce global partnerships, and uphold a policy of persistent global engagement.

History and formation

The genesis of the current group followed the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, which confirmed the construction of two new large carriers. This decision reversed the planned withdrawal of catapult-assisted carrier capability outlined in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review. The formal standing up of the group occurred in 2011, with its structure evolving as HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09) were commissioned. Key milestones included the first operational deployment, CSG21, in 2021, which saw the group sail to the Indo-Pacific region. This deployment was a direct realisation of ambitions set out in the 2021 Integrated Review and the subsequent Defence in a competitive age policy paper.

Composition and capabilities

The group is built around either HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) or HMS Prince of Wales (R09), which embark the Carrier Air Wing. The air wing typically includes F-35B Lightning II aircraft from the Royal Air Force's No. 617 Squadron RAF and the Royal Navy's 809 Naval Air Squadron, alongside Merlin HM2 helicopters for Anti-submarine warfare. The carrier is protected by a tailored escort squadron, often including a Type 45 destroyer for Area air defence, one or two Type 23 or future Type 26 frigates for Anti-submarine warfare, and a Astute-class Attack submarine. A solid support ship such as RFA Tidespring and a Fort-class auxiliary provide crucial replenishment at sea.

Operational deployments

The inaugural global deployment, designated CSG21, commenced in May 2021 under the command of Commodore Steve Moorhouse. The group, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), transited the Mediterranean Sea, operated with Fifth Fleet in the Middle East, and conducted exercises in the Indian Ocean with partners including the Indian Navy. Its presence in the South China Sea underscored a commitment to Freedom of navigation before participating in exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Subsequent deployments have included HMS Prince of Wales (R09) leading Exercise Cold Response in the Arctic with Norwegian and USMC forces, and a major Atlantic exercise with the French Navy and the United States Navy.

Command and control

Tactical command of the group afloat is exercised by a Commodore, designated the Carrier Strike Group Commander, who flies his flag in the aircraft carrier. This commander is supported by a dedicated CSG staff. Operational command is held by the Fleet Commander at Navy Command Headquarters in Portsmouth. For multinational operations, command relationships are integrated within standing NATO structures, such as Allied Maritime Command, or through bespoke arrangements with key allies like the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Strategic role and partnerships

The group is a primary instrument of the UK's Global Britain foreign policy, intended to assure allies and contribute to International stability. Its operations directly support the Five Power Defence Arrangements in Southeast Asia and enhance cooperation with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. A landmark partnership is the integration of United States Marine Corps F-35B squadrons and a United States Navy Destroyer Squadron into the group, a testament to the close Special Relationship. Furthermore, regular combined operations with the French Navy, under the Lancaster House Treaties, and with other Joint Expeditionary Force nations, reinforce European security and interoperability.

Category:Military units and formations of the Royal Navy Category:Carrier battle groups