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What is Carrier Strike?

Carrier Strike is a joint (Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) capability, comprising the Joint Combat Aircraft, Future Carrier, Maritime Airborne Surveillance Capability and other fighting forces which will be able to contribute to the air, land and sea battle within a conflict. The air elements of Carrier Strike (most notably the Joint Combat Aircraft) will be capable of conducting all their roles whilst operating from both land and sea (Future Carrier) bases.

Senior Responsible Owner (Carrier Strike)
Ministry of Defence
Level 2, Zone G
Main Building,
Whitehall,
London SW1A 2HB

Who is the SRO Carrier Strike?

The Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) Carrier Strike's mission is to ensure that all aspects of Carrier Strike military capability are delivered on time and within budget.

The current SRO is Rear Admiral Nigel Guild.

What are Carrier Strikes Military Capabilities?

Joint
Joint Combat Aircraft
Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA)
The JCA requirement is being met by the United States led Joint Strike Fighter project. This comprises of a series of three aircraft (Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL), Carrier Variant (CV) and Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL)). These aircraft will feature stealth and Network Enabled Capabilities - allowing them to operate in conjunction with any other land, air or sea force and with our allies forces.
Of the approximately 3,000 aircraft planned the UK intends to buy up to 150 STOVL aircraft, the rear fuselage of which will be designed British Aerospace Engineering Systems, the lift fan and an alternate engine are to be built by Rolls Royce Aerospace.
To learn more about Joint Combat Aircraft visit the JCA Project Page on the DPA website.
Future
Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF)
Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF)
This vessel will be the UK's mobile air-base, capable of launching a wide variety of aircraft in support of UK operations without the need to rely on other countries cooperation. In addition it enables a UK expeditionary force to project air power over a larger area than previously possible.
To learn more about Future Aircraft Carrier visit the CVF Project Page on the DPA website.
Maritime Air Surveillance and Control aircraft (MASC)
A combination of systems which search land and sea, identify possible targets and coordinate the tactical responses of aircraft and other weapons. It provides a common set of pictures, communications and information to all weapons platforms in the theatre of operations enabling them to protect both military and civillian shipping and to project the threat of military response over a wider area.
Other Projects
SRO Carrier Strike ensures that a number of other project developments will maximise the Carrier Strike capability which include:

  • The future Air to Air refuelling tanker - (Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA))
  • The future support ships - (Military Afloat Reach Sustainability (MARS))
  • The future information network - (Defence Information Infrastructure (DII))

What is Expeditionary Strike Capability and Why do we need it?

Carrier Strike Capability

“Our conclusion is the ability to deploy offensive air power will be central to future force projection operations”SDR - Supporting Essay Six (Future Military Capabilities) Para. 26

Carrier Strike lies at the heart of the UK Armed Forces ability to project offensive air power in support of military operations.

The goal of expeditionary strike is to be able to attack a target anywhere in the world at a time of Her Majesty's Government's choosing. It is anticipated that up to 150 Joint Combat Aircraft will be bought. Because it is not always possible to guarantee access, basing or over flight of adjacent countries to the area of operations, an aircraft carrier is needed to act as a base in such circumstances. Two carriers need to be bought to ensure that one is always available. The JCA can be expected to fly a number of missions including attacking targets deep in enemy territory, close air support of ground forces and air defence. 

How does SRO Carrier Strike role help to achive these objectives?

SRO Carrier Strike oversees and ensures coherency across all projects in the Carrier Strike programme including:

  • purchasing the equipment,
  • recruiting and training the personnel,
  • building the appropriate infrastructure,
  • providing logistics and communications support

He is personally accountable for ensuring that the Carrier Strike capability as a whole is delivered across all these projects on time and within budget, and for ensuring that MOD gets the required through life capability benefits.

Last Updated: 4 Nov 05