English: Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender escorts the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush in the Middle East.

HMS Defender arrived on station to provide vital support to a US Navy carrier task group in the region, using her world-class air defence weapon systems to protect the US Navy aircraft carrier, USS George H W Bush and her aircraft as they launch airstrikes as part of the international coalition against ISIL.

HMS Defender, one of the most advanced warships ever built for the Royal Navy, is operating as a fully integrated part of the carrier strike group. Using her air defence radar and Sea Viper missile system, the ship provides an ‘umbrella’ of air defence to the Nimitz class aircraft carrier and her escort ships while they patrol the Gulf and launch airstrikes against the terrorist group ISIL.

Deployed to the Gulf in June 2014, HMS Defender’s primary role has been to conduct maritime security operations as part of the United Kingdom’s enduring commitment to the region as well as working with the 30 nation Combined Maritime Forces organisation and Gulf Cooperation Council countries to bolster existing relationships.

HMS Defender is now operating with the US Navy’s Arleigh-Burke class destroyers USS Truxton and USS Roosevelt and the Ticonderoga class destroyer USS Phillipine Sea to provide support for the aircraft carrier.

Engaged in round-the-clock operations, HMS Defender’s task is to build an accurate air surveillance picture over the whole of the Gulf in order to guard the US aircraft carrier against possible air attack while she launches airstrikes against ISIL targets.

• Organization: Royal Navy
• Object Name: MH140064029
• Supplemental Categories: Theatres, Type 45, Foreign Ships
• Keywords: HMS Defender, Type 45 Destroyer, USS George W Bush, Aircraft Carrier, American, USN, ISIL, Op, Operation, Shader, IS
• Country: Middle East