The Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon has hosted a quarterly, top-level meeting of defence ministers from the Global Coalition against Daesh.
The meeting, which was held in London, gave an opportunity for a review on progress in Iraq and Syria, and strengthen coordination and cooperation on foreign fighters returning from the region, and build towards long-term stability in Iraq in 2017.
Sir Michael also deepened UK and US defence cooperation by signing an agreement with US Defence Secretary Ash Carter to allow US Marine Corps F-35B aircraft to fly from the UK’s new Queen Elizabeth class carrier.
Planning will be advanced to allow US jets to deploy alongside our own Lightning aircraft in HMS Queen Elizabeth during her planned first operational deployment in 2021.
Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, said: “As Britain’s pre-eminent operational partner, including in our current fight against Daesh, the inter-operability of British and American forces is crucial.
“Having British and US F35s alongside each other aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth on its first operational tour, will further cement our close defence ties as Britain steps up internationally.
“Britain and America’s longstanding defence and intelligence sharing epitomises the special relationship that helps keeps both our nations safer and more secure. ”
The announcement will allow UK and US personnel to work even closer together on operations, exercises and training, developing the skills they need for carrier strike operations.
UK pilots, engineers and deck handlers are currently operating from US Navy carriers, already working on these skills, which will be important for when it comes to deploy the new British carriers.
image (c) crown copyright
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Post written by: Matt Brown
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