Image source: topwar.ru
At the end of August, the British aircraft carrier Prince of Wales left for the United States for exercises and the integration of American UAVs into the air group. And another aircraft carrier, the Queen Elizabeth, went on exercises on September 8, the various stages of which will last until the end of December, if, of course, the equipment can withstand.
But even then a lot of "inconsistencies" came out. The air group consists of eight F-35s instead of the required 24 and eight helicopters out of the required 24. That is? the ship will not be able to perform either shock or anti-submarine functions.
Of the five "Merlins", only two underwent conversion under the "Crowsnest" program with conversion to AWACS. It is unlikely that they will be able to provide round-the-clock patrolling. The other three, in the PLO variant.
In total, there are eight planes and eight helicopters, and this combat group is commanded by Captain 1st Rank Mark Sparrow. The escort group, to put it mildly, raises strong doubts, one destroyer and one not very new frigate, which has long been due to "retire".
Initially, it was assumed that there would be two frigates, but the state of the Somerset did not allow him to participate in the event. Now the issue of its write-off is being resolved, since the condition of the hull is simply "killed". These frigates were built on the basis of an eighteen-year service life, but almost all have "passed" thirty, and some are being selected for 35 years of service.
The presence of the MAPL in the AUG was not advertised, but recently, on the resource navylookout.com information was "flashing" that all six British MAPLS were in bases. A very rare phenomenon in the history of the Royal Navy. Usually, at least one, but at sea, accompanies the PLARB.
The outraged public was reassured by the fact that French and Norwegian frigates will periodically join the escort of the aircraft carrier, but this is not yet certain. On the "Queen" itself, to put it mildly, it is not very good with the crew. A few days before going to sea, it increased from 800 to 1500, i.e. every second on board is not quite ready to perform his duties.
Another problem is the lack of a universal supply transport, since the only one that is still listed in the fleet, Fort Victoria, is waiting for either decommissioning or repair. To provide AUG with fuel and supplies will be the only remaining "on the move" "Tidforce". And if enough fuel can be delivered, then there are certain doubts about food and other supplies. However, they are going to fight this problem with port calls, since the exercises will take place in the North Atlantic.
In the second half of 2024, preparations will begin for the Queen Elizabeth to be put into overhaul and the functions of the flagship of the fleet, together with the air group, will be transferred to the Prince of Wales.
In 2025, the Prince of Wales will have to lead the AUG in the Indo-Pacific region in order to "contain" China. To what extent he will succeed and with which escort group he will go there, one can only guess. But there is no doubt about the air group.
The Admiralty hopes that the F-35 will be, as it should be according to the state, 24.
