Carrier Strike Group forms for the first time
The UK's HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group has formed for the first time on the Westlant 19 deployment, the Royal Navy announced on 26 September.
The carrier has been joined by destroyer HMS Dragon, frigate HMS Northumberland and fleet tanker RFA Tideforce off the eastern seaboard of the US following the completion of the Canadian-led submarine hunting exercise Cutlass Fury in which Northumberland took part.
Dragon has now left the task force to join another carrier group working in the same waters off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The destroyer will form part of Carrier Strike Group 10, led by USS Dwight D Eisenhower which is undergoing a US Navy Tailored Ship's Training Availability programme.
Dragon will then re-attach to the Queen Elizabeth group ready to begin combined training with UK F-35 Lightning stealth fighters from 617 Squadron.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
