UK’s aircraft carrier launches F-35Bs to counter Russian aircraft in Norwegian Sea

F-35B Lightning jets from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales have intercepted a Russian Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft as the UK-led carrier strike group conducted NATO air policing operations in the Arctic.

The encounter took place in the Norwegian Sea during the latest phase of the UK Carrier Strike Group’s Firecrest deployment, with the Russian aircraft approaching the carrier strike group while being monitored by two F-35Bs from 809 Naval Air Squadron launched from the carrier’s flight deck.

During the interaction, the Russian aircraft dropped sonobuoy listening devices and also passed the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, which is deployed alongside HMS Prince of Wales.

Credit: Royal Navy

The interception formed part of the UK’s first deployment of a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier to support NATO’s air policing mission, with HMS Prince of Wales providing fighter aircraft to patrol and defend Icelandic and Arctic airspace.

The mission marks the first time NATO’s air policing task has been conducted from a European aircraft carrier, with the F-35Bs maintaining readiness to respond to potential threats in the strategically important High North region.

The aircraft, operated by 809 Naval Air Squadron and jointly flown and maintained by Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel, previously achieved NATO air policing accreditation from land bases. The carrier deployment has now demonstrated the ability to deliver the same capability from an embarked environment.

“Air defence is a core role for the Lightning Force and having been accredited previously from land bases, it is great to see the capability expanded further to support our allies from an embarked environment,” said Commander Nick Smith, Commanding Officer of 809 Naval Air Squadron.

The UK said the validation exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of NATO-standard communications, command structures and operational procedures while reinforcing interoperability with allied forces.

Located between Greenland and the United Kingdom, Iceland sits along a key air and maritime corridor connecting the Arctic and North Atlantic. Protecting the region is considered critical for maintaining military and commercial links between North America and Europe.

HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Duncan are both equipped with sensors capable of detecting incoming aircraft at ranges exceeding 200 miles, allowing the ships’ fighter controllers to direct F-35B operations during air defense missions.