The Queen Elizabeth class carriers are the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy and represent a major leap in British naval aviation capability. Equipped with a ski-jump ramp and advanced flight deck, they operate F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters and Merlin helicopters, providing powerful air support, power projection, and command functions for UK and allied task groups worldwide.
| Ship Name | Line Name |
|---|---|
| HMS Queen Elizabeth | Royal Navy |
Deployment Began: Fri Apr 24, 2026
Deployment Ended: Fri Jul 24, 2026
Days Deployed: 91 days
Deployment Location: Atlantic/Arctic Operation Firecrest first phase (completed July 24, 2026)
Post-Deployment Location: Returned to homeport in Portsmouth, England
Mission: Royal Navy carrier led the UK Carrier Strike Group on Operation Firecrest, conducting NATO air policing, Arctic Sentry support, High North deterrence, and northern-flank collective-defence operations with embarked F-35B aircraft.