HMS Prince of Wales in the Pacific: Britain’s Big Move
HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, sets sail as part of Operation Highmast, a major UK-led multinational deployment to the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific. (Picture source: UK MoD)
PORTSMOUTH, U.K. — HMS Prince of Wales (R09) is preparing to embark on a landmark mission as the lead vessel of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group. Set to depart Portsmouth on April 22, this deployment will take the carrier through the Mediterranean and into the Indo-Pacific in one of the Royal Navy’s most ambitious operations in recent years, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence.
Reviving Strategic Presence in the Indo-Pacific
This marks the first time since 2021 that a British carrier strike group will venture into the Indo-Pacific. The 2021 mission was spearheaded by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), but now the HMS Prince of Wales takes the helm, underlining Britain’s commitment to maintaining a strategic footprint in the region.
After leaving Portsmouth, the HMS Prince of Wales will rendezvous with accompanying vessels, aircraft, and logistics ships off Cornwall’s coast. The fleet will then journey to the Mediterranean, participating in NATO’s Exercise Neptune Strike. This high-profile drill is designed to assess NATO’s ability to project power through multi-carrier and amphibious strike groups, enhancing joint operational capability.
Engaging Global Partners in Joint Exercises
From the Mediterranean, the carrier group will travel through the Indian Ocean, executing training missions and port visits alongside key regional allies such as the United States, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. The journey will culminate in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, where the task force will work closely with 19 partner nations, including Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and Indian military units.
Operation Highmast: A Global Display of Naval Power
This eight-month deployment, officially dubbed Operation Highmast, will involve over 4,000 British personnel — including 2,500 from the Royal Navy, 592 from the Royal Air Force, and 900 from the British Army. Twelve international allies are set to contribute assets or personnel, including Norway, Canada, and Spain.
While full details of the carrier strike group’s composition remain classified, confirmed participants include HMS Dauntless (D33), a Type 23 frigate, an Astute-class attack submarine, and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary oiler.
Multinational Support and Force Integration
Canada has already deployed HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH332) from Halifax to join the strike group as part of its Operation Horizon—an initiative to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. While integrated with the U.K. group, the Canadian frigate will also conduct separate national operations during the mission.
Norway will contribute the frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F311) for the full duration of the operation and support logistics with the fleet oiler HNoMS Maud (A530). Spain is also expected to provide naval support, likely in the form of a frigate for operations within the Mediterranean sector.
F-35B and Unmanned Capabilities in Focus
The carrier will embark up to 24 F-35B Lightning II fighters from RAF Squadron 617 "The Dambusters" and the Royal Navy’s 809 Naval Air Squadron "Phoenix." Additionally, Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters, Wildcat helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles will play vital roles in maritime surveillance, supply delivery, and anti-drone operations.
A significant highlight of the mission will be the deployment of Malloy T-150 unmanned octocopters, designed for autonomous supply transfers between ships. With lift capacities up to 68kg and flight endurance of 20 to 40 minutes, these UAVs represent a step forward in naval logistics.
Prepared for Modern Threats
The strike group’s route includes passage through the Red Sea, an area currently witnessing U.S. operations against Houthi threats in Yemen. Although the U.K. hasn’t confirmed involvement, the strike group is well-prepared. HMS Dauntless recently engaged in Exercise Sharpshooter, simulating defense against drone and missile swarms using Phalanx CIWS, 30mm guns, and Martlet-armed Wildcat helicopters.
Meanwhile, Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron conducted Exercise Talon Strike, firing Martlet missiles at Banshee drones operated by 700X Naval Air Squadron. Norway’s Roald Amundsen also validated its combat readiness by launching Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs) and testing counter-unmanned aerial systems.
Strengthening Alliances and Combat Readiness
Commander Daniel Thomassen of Norway’s 1st Frigate Squadron emphasized the importance of such rigorous exercises: “This type of training ensures our ships and crews are ready for modern threats in diverse regions far from home.”
The U.K.’s deployment of HMS Prince of Wales to the Indo-Pacific represents more than a naval voyage — it is a bold signal of Britain's enduring commitment to regional security, global partnerships, and maintaining a world-class, combat-ready navy.
FAQ
- When will HMS Prince of Wales deploy?
On April 22, 2025, departing from Portsmouth. - What is Operation Highmast?
A Royal Navy-led multinational mission to project power and strengthen alliances across the Indo-Pacific. - Which countries are participating?
The U.K., U.S., India, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Norway, Canada, Spain, and others. - What aircraft are deployed on the carrier?
F-35B Lightning II fighters, Merlin Mk2 helicopters, Wildcat helicopters, and UAVs like the T-150. - Will the group engage in combat?
No direct engagement is planned, but it will drill in real-world threat scenarios.
Posting Komentar