F-35B Cross-Deck Ops Affirm Aircraft Interoperability

A recent exercise in the Arabian Sea demonstrates a strategic advantage for both the U.S. and U.K., military leadership said.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, November 15, 2021 at 05:59 PM ET

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U.S. Marines flying an MV-22B Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct carrier deck landings on HMS Queen Elizabeth while a Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA211) 211 prepares to launch from the flight deck in the Arabian Sea on November 8, 2021. Credit: 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner

Key Takeaways:

Recent exercises showcased significant interoperability, with U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs conducting cross-deck operations between British, U.S., Italian, and Japanese aircraft carriers.
These operations demonstrate the value of strengthening alliances, expanding allied access in critical regions, and extending the F-35B's operational range and flight time, aligning with Distributed Maritime Operations.
Military leadership from the U.S. and U.K. emphasized the strategic advantage of allies being able to operate fifth-generation aircraft from shared carrier decks.
Japan's acquisition of F-35Bs and the successful modification of its JS Izumo carrier to support them mark its return to carrier aviation, enhancing regional air defense capabilities and contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Recent cross-deck operations launching U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs from a British aircraft carrier underscore the value of interoperability among allied carriers, according to U.S. and U.K. military leadership.

During a November 8 exercise in the Arabian Sea, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 21 cross-decked F35Bs between the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship.