Overview

• The Royal Navy flagship arrived as part of Operation Highmast, an extended Indo‑Pacific deployment focused on deterrence, diplomacy and industry outreach.
• The ship leads a multinational carrier strike group reported at about 4,000 personnel from 12 nations on an eight‑month mission in the region.
• Events in Tokyo include public tours, the Pacific Future Forum on 29–30 August and a Defence and Security Industry Day highlighting British capabilities.
• Recent interoperability drills featured a British F‑35B landing on Japan’s JS Kaga for the first time, demonstrating closer carrier operations.
• After the port call, the carrier will rejoin HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring in Busan and link up with HMS Dauntless and HNoMS Roald Amundsen in Yokosuka before continuing the deployment.