UK to carry out largest naval deployment to Asia since the Falklands War

the UK is preparing to deploy in Asia its military fleet, led by the country’s new aircraft carrier, in the largest British naval and air deployment since the Falklands War in 1982.

The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the new jewel of the British navy, will depart for Asia next month with eight stealth fighter jets RAF F35B on board and accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a submarine, 14 naval helicopters and a company of Royal Marines. This will be the aircraft carrier’s first operational deployment, costing $ 4 billion.

The fleet will join NATO allies on a mission to Duration of 28 weeks. The deployment is part of the recent strategic review titled Britain Global, which aims to position the country as a key power on the international stage. Developed last year when London recalibrated its post-Brexit foreign policy, the so-called Integrated Review describes a shift in strategic focus towards Asia, calling China a “systemic competitor”.

During the 28-week deployment, the British fleet (called Carrier Strike Group, CSG) visit more than 40 countries and carry out more than 70 engagements, including navigation alongside the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle in Mediterranean. He will also make visits to India, Japan, South Korea Yes Singapore next to the American destroyer USS The Sullivans and the Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen.

A team of 10 United States Marine Corps F35B Lightning II aircraft will also board the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.

The maneuvers are expected to be closely watched by China., The United States and its allies.

The Defense Department described the deployment as “The greatest concentration of sea and air power to leave the UK in a generation.”

Secretary of Defense Ben wallace, which will reveal the details of the deployment to Parliament, said: “When our carrier strike group sets sail next month, it will fly the flag of the Great Britain in the world: it will project our influence, signal our power, interact with our friends, reaffirming our commitment to meet the security challenges of today and tomorrow. “

The deployment was organized as part of the “The UK’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region” with the aim of “strengthening deep defense partnerships”, as well as participating in an exercise to mark the 50th anniversary of the five-power defense agreements with Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, added the Department of Defense.

British fleet

In addition to the Queen Elizabeth, the surface fleet will include Type 45 destroyers. HMS Defender Yes HMS Diamond, Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Kent Yes HMS Richmondand the royal auxiliary fleet RFA Fort Victoria Yes RFA Tidespring.

the Royal Navy Astute Class Submarine, armed with cruise missiles Tomahawk.

In addition to the stealth fighters, they will embark four helicopters maritime attack Wild cat, seven anti-submarine helicopters Merlin Mk2 and three commando helicopters Merlin Mk4, the largest number of helicopters assigned to a single UK task force in a decade.

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