As the British look to a post-EU global role, just what is Britain's objective in the Indo-Pacifice region?
The presence of HMS Queen Elizabeth, according to Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, the RN’s fleet commander, sets the tone for British strategic relevance on the global stage by fulfilling various roles including “strategic messaging, power projection, naval diplomacy, and trade promotion.” The CSG presence expands on the five warships it has deployed to the region since 2018, with each sailing through the South China Sea.
UPDATE: America and Britain signed a joint declaration on Britain's carrier battle group:
The Joint Declaration enables the deployment of U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy personnel and equipment, including a detachment of U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft and the Navy’s USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68), as part of a UK-U.S. combined carrier strike group, led by the UK’s aircraft carrier, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH.
I wondered if Marine F-35Bs would work with the Brits. Yes. And a bit more.
UPDATE: A story on the deal:
The HMS Queen Elizabeth leads the Strike Group, which includes nine ships, 15 British and U.S. fighter planes, and 11 helicopters.
In wartime I assume the ship would carry more F-35s.
