HNLMS Willemstad and BNS Primula have sailed from Zeebruge for deployment with SNMCMG2.
Willemstad may later join the UK-French led mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
(Src: @kon_marine)
France has extended its nuclear umbrella to Norway under a bilateral defense agreement.
This likely includes both SSBNs and Rafale delivered weapons.
(Src: @FaytuksNetwork)
Italian Navy to fly TB3 drones from Cavour aircraft carrier ๐ฎ๐น ๐น๐ท
The Italian Navy is preparing to acquire the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), marking a new step in expanding its carrier-based unmanned aviation capabilities ๐
https://t.co/uhlrvlzrjL
Italian Carrier Strike Group has deployed for routine NATO Exercise Neptune Strike.
ITS Cavour, Ciao Duilio, and Virginio Fasan are operating in the Mediterranean.
(Src: @ItalianNavy)
Landing helicopter assault USS Tripoli is to join Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
Her and her Amphibious Ready Group passed Singapore this week en route to the Arabian Sea.
(Src: @MT_Anderson)
FS Charles de Gaulle now operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Joined by European warships ITS Federico Martinengo and ESPS Cristobal Colon.
FS Languedoc deployed independently to protect Cyprus.
(Src: @French_CSG)
Thankfully, my main account @UKForcesTracker has been recovered so I will be resuming usual posts over there.
A huge thank you to @FennellJW who helped with the process.
#RAF Royal Air Force
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C6F8 ZZ335 - ASCOT 9102
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II
ASCOT 9521-23 flt 3x
Three RAF F-35Bs as ASCOT 9521 flight are joining with Voyager ASCOT 9102, reportedly headed for Lajes.
@MATA_osint@DefenceGeek@LatAmMilMVMTs@Andyyyyrrrr
#RAF Royal Air Force - Middle East Activity
2 March - 2204z
Airbus KC.2 Voyager 1x
#43C700 ZZ343 - ASCOT 9961
ASCOT 9961 is supporting RAF F-35Bs on combat air patrols over Jordan this evening. There is significant U.S. tanker activity in the area operating out of Tel Aviv.
@MATA_osint@DefenceGeek@Andyyyyrrrr@flightradar24
UK Government has closen not to reinforce bases in the Middle East.
Runway damage to RAF Akrotiri has not prevented flight operations, with an F-35B filmed taking off earlier today.
Ridiculous state of affairs.
(Src: https://t.co/Kucvjnq2Jc)
Simply put, the slow speed collapse of the RN/RFA surface fleet has meant it's gone from a force with a serious global presence, to one that can do the occasional international deployment and use the virtually unarmed River B2s for engagement/PR duties. 1./
Last night, RAF Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian attack drone inflicting minor damage and no casualties.
Hopefully we will now see the overdue decision to deploy Sky Sabre and HMS Duncan.