Overview

• HMS Prince of Wales leads an eight-month Carrier Strike Group mission spanning the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific regions.
• The deployment involves 4,000 UK personnel and allied forces from Spain, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand, showcasing multinational cooperation.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the carrier, emphasizing the UK's leadership role in global security and commitment to allies in the Indo-Pacific.
• The mission highlights the UK's response to regional tensions, including concerns over China's actions around Taiwan and disputed sea lanes.
• The UK government has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, linking military readiness to economic growth and trade security.