July 17, 2021
3 mins read

UK Carrier Strike Group to hold wargames with Indian Navy

Following a series of successful engagements and operations in the Mediterranean, the Carrier Strike Group is now sailing East across the Indian Ocean towards India, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2021, led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sailed into the Indian Ocean region having recently transited the Suez Canal, the British High Commission here said on Friday.

Following a series of successful engagements and operations in the Mediterranean, it is now sailing East across the Indian Ocean towards India.

It will then meet with ships from the Indian Navy to conduct routine maritime exercises.

The deployment represents the UK’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and security ties with India and in the Indo-Pacific region.

Carrier Strike Group
HMS_Queen_Elizabeth

It demonstrates both the UK’s support for the freedom of passage through vital trading routes and for a free, open and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The UK Carrier Strike Group deploymen is a major moment for UK defence as we develop this cutting-edge capability across the globe. The group is sailing the Indian Ocean and will shortly conduct exercises with the Indian Navy, building on our already strong partnership with an important ally and friend.

ALSO READ – UK aircraft carrier joins fight against Daesh

“The deployment illustrates the UK’s enduring commitment to global defence and security, strengthening our existing alliances and forging new partnerships with like-minded countries as we face up to the challenges of the 21st century.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “The Carrier Strike Group deployment marks the start of a new era of defence cooperation with allies in India and the Indo-Pacific. By visiting 40 countries and working alongside our partners, the UK is standing up for democratic values, seizing new trading opportunities and tackling the shared threats we face together.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

“The deployment will interact with India, strengthening our already deep ties for the benefit of both our peoples’ security and prosperity.”

British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said: “The Carrier Strike Group is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to the security of India and the Indo-Pacific. Its arrival follows the UK’s first International Liaison Officer joining the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram.

“Today marks another step towards delivering the ambition set out jointly by our Prime Ministers in the 2030 Roadmap, bringing our countries, economies and people closer together.”

As part of its maiden operational deployment, the Carrier Strike Group will sail over 26,000 nautical miles, engaging with 40 countries from the Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific and back again.

This deployment will provide tangible reassurance and security to the UK’s friends and a credible deterrence to those who seek to undermine global security.

As the spearhead of UK’s Joint Expeditionary capability and a cornerstone of the UK’s conventional military deterrent, the Carrier Strike Group comprises nine ships, 32 aircraft and one submarine and is manned by 3,700 sailors, aviators and marines from the combined forces of the UK, US and the Netherlands.

The fifth generation HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier, at 65,000 tonnes, is the largest surface vessel ever constructed in the UK. Taller than Niagara Falls, her propellers generate the power of 50 high-speed trains.

She leads six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer and a frigate from the Netherlands in the largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the UK in a generation.

It is equipped with the fifth generation F-35B Lightning multi-role aircrafts. They are being jointly crewed by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the US Marine Corps.

ALSO READ – Agni P: India’s Answer to China’s ‘Carrier Killers’

Previous Story

China not mincing words about downturn in ties with India

Next Story

COVID-19: India’s Recovery Rate Goes Past 97%

Latest from -Top News

Pak Army Chief Targets India Again

This is not the first time that Munir has indulged in loose talk, exhibiting conduct unbecoming an officer….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on

Relief for Students: US Visa Cancellations Paused

More than 1,500 student visas have been cancelled so far…reports Asian Lite News The United States on Friday abruptly paused the cancellation of student visas issued to international students, according to reports.

Yunus Must Be Treated Like Hasina, Warn Islamists

Islamist group made these warnings to the interim government, terming the women’s reform body proposals as “anti-Islamic…reports Asian Lite News The radical Islamist group in Bangladesh, Hefazat-e-Islam, has issued a threat, stating

UN: Bring Pahalgam Terrorists to Justice

The members of the Security Council “stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable..reports Asian Lite News The Security Council has “condemned in the strongest terms” the Pahalgam terrorist
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian Navy to get DRDO developed Naval Anti Drone System

It uses the help of Radar, Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and

Indian Navy Set to Commission New Base in Lakshadweep

Indian Navy set to commission INS Jatayu naval base in