Nairana had 835 Naval Air Squadron with 14 Swordfish IIIs and six Wildcat VIs on board for what would be their first Arctic convoy. Vindex had the same aircraft types and numbers. The third carrier—Tracker—had 10 Grumman Avengers and six Wildcats.
Nairana and Vindex were both prepared with 835 Naval Air Squadron, featuring 14 Swordfish IIIs and six Wildcat VIs for their Arctic convoy mission. The third carrier, Tracker, also carried the same aircraft types in identical numbers.