F-35B Lightning IIs took off from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth to intercept a Russian Il-38 aircraft that approached the carrier strike group

The UK used fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters to intercept the Il-38. The Russian aircraft approached the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier strike group.

Here's What We Know

A Russian patrol aircraft approached a British aircraft carrier strike group off the northern coast of Norway. Fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, which were aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, flew to intercept it.

UK F-35Bs launched from the deck of @HMSQNLZ and flew alongside @Forsvaret_No Norwegian F-35As to escort a Russian Maritime Patrol Aircraft as it flew in proximity to UK Carrier Strike Group.#UKCSG23 #JEFtogether pic.twitter.com/HeJlQS6ahU

- UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) October 6, 2023

The official Twitter account of the UK Carrier Strike Group posted a picture of an aircraft belonging to 617 Squadron (617 Sqn) of the Royal Air Force. Its home base is Marham Base. In the air, the F-35B joined the Royal Norwegian Air Force's F-35A.

HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth on 8 September 2023. The aircraft carrier is now carrying out missions in the Arctic. The Strike Group participated in the military exercise Ex. Cobra Warrior 23-2 along with dozens of aircraft from Canada, the US, Italy, Norway, Australia and the UK.

Source: @COMUKCSG