Overview
- For the first time in Europe, NATO now has a carrier strike group under its command, centered on HMS Prince of Wales and its F-35 jets.
- The UK declared the Carrier Strike Group at Full Operating Capability with fifth‑generation aircraft, airborne surveillance and support ships.
- UK and Italian F‑35s have operated together from the carrier during NATO’s Falcon Strike, demonstrating combined air operations.
- The group will take part in Neptune Strike in the Mediterranean to rehearse sea‑strike missions, amphibious landings and anti‑submarine warfare.
- Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Italian ministers aboard off Naples, noting over 1,000 fast‑jet sorties and more than 50 uncrewed logistics landings during the deployment.