UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
Maiden UK Carrier Strike Group deployment draws closer
HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Wagner)
HMS Queen Elizabeth will embark in May on a 28-week deployment.
UK Secretary of State Ben Wallace shed more light on 26 April about what the MoD described as the ‘globe-spanning maiden deployment’ of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by HMS Queen Elizabeth.
On a 28-week deployment commencing in May 2021 and covering 26,000nmi, the CSG will conduct exercises and engagement with allied navies (India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea) ‘as part of the UK’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region’, the MoD noted.
The CSG will participate in NATO exercises such as Exercise Steadfast Defender, and provide support to NATO Operation Sea Guardian and maritime security operations in the Black Sea.
Wallace confirmed that Queen Elizabeth will be joined by two Type 45 destroyers (HMS Defender and HMS Diamond), two Type 23 ASW frigates (HMS Kent and HMS Richmond) and the fleet support vessels RFA Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring.
A single Astute-class submarine (as yet unnamed) will offer sub-surface support.
‘Providing a cutting edge on the carrier’s flight deck will be eight state-of-the-art RAF F-35B Lightning II fast jets,’ Wallace added. ‘Alongside will be four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters – the greatest quantity of helicopters assigned to a single UK Task Group in a decade.’
Also involved in the CSG are the USN Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS The Sullivans, a squadron of ten USMC F-35B aircraft and the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Evertsen.
On the Mediterranean leg of the deployment, the French Navy aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle will sail alongside Queen Elizabeth for a period of dual-carrier operations.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
-
![Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?]()
Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
-
![US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026]()
US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
