Overview

• HMS Prince of Wales leads a multinational Carrier Strike Group featuring UK, Norwegian, Canadian, and Spanish forces on an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
• The mission, Operation Highmast, includes 2,500 personnel, up to 24 F-35B jets, helicopters, drones, and allied warships, with initial exercises in the Mediterranean.
• The deployment aims to demonstrate credible deterrence, support NATO, and reinforce the rules-based international order in strategically vital areas.
• Commodore James Blackmore emphasized readiness for potential combat operations, including in the Red Sea, and the possibility of transiting the Taiwan Strait.
• The operation highlights the UK's commitment to allied cooperation, trade security, and maintaining close military collaboration with the United States.