On 15 August 1944, "Vindex" and HMS "Striker" joined convoy JW 59 the first Arctic convoy to Russia of the year. "Vindex" still had 825 Naval Air Squadron on board but they were now equipped with the Swordfish Mk III. This version of the biplane had a Rocket-assisted take off system (RATOG) and a new ASV radar in a dome on the underside of the aircraft. The extra weight reduced the crew to two, doing away with the Telegraphist-Air-Gunner. There was a full complement of 12 Swordfish and eight Sea Hurricanes (two unassembled spares) on board. The larger "Striker" had 12 Swordfish and 12 Grumman Wildcats. The Swordfish claimed their first success on 22 August sinking "U-354" and claimed another as possibly sunk. Her rocket armed Sea Hurricanes also claimed a U-boat damaged. Neither convoy JW 59 or the returning RA 59A lost any ships.