The UK-led Carrier Strike Group, known as CSG25, has officially commenced operations in the Indo-Pacific as part of Operation Highmast.
Led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, the group includes allied warships from Canada, Norway, Spain, and New Zealand, and recently conducted a joint exercise with the Indian Navy.
According to the Ministry of Defence, this engagement “deepens the UK’s defence relationship with a key strategic partner ahead of a port visit to India later this year”.
The task group previously conducted exercises in the Mediterranean and transited the Red Sea before entering the Indian Ocean. It is now set to continue port visits and operations across the region, with scheduled stops in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia.
“I am delighted that our Carrier Strike Group and 4,000 Service Personnel are now operating in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard. “This isn’t just about hard power; the upcoming exercises and port visits are about building influence and boosting trade opportunities both for defence and other sectors of our economy.”
The deployment aims to project British capability, reinforce international partnerships, and demonstrate integrated fighting readiness with two embarked F-35B Lightning squadrons from the RAF and Royal Navy.
“The deployment sends a powerful message that the UK and its allies are committed to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of CSG25. “It’s a privilege to lead our sailors, marines, soldiers and aircrew as we demonstrate warfighting capability.”
CSG25 will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a major Australian-led multinational drill involving the UK, US, and regional allies. Port visits will also support the UK’s Plan for Change, showcasing British defence exports and facilitating trade growth.
The strike group will also host the Pacific Future Forum in Japan, bringing together defence, technology, and security leaders to address shared regional challenges.
What about the stray F35b ? Assume that wayward chick returned to the nest safely?
With tanker support an F35B can fly a long way quite quickly…..
Starting to seem a bit strange that we have a massive carrier strike group near Iran just as things are about to kick off and she is headed the other way.
I can see the captain now as she passes the USS Nimitz “nothing to see here, move along” 😀
Not our beef – we need to stick to NATO plus Aus/ NZ
I doubt we want anything to do with this reckless action, except to protect our bases. Better to steer clear.
Why is it taking 3 days to return the F35? Why the News Blackout? Not normal this but I dont want to sound paranoid.
Dont relax – let the professionals sort it
Do we know how many F35s made it east of Suez on PoW? Also, I note that US carriers are currently heading west towards the Gulf. In these circumstances, they may be relatively happy that the UK CSG is heading east…
Somewhat surprising that there are no scheduled port calls listed for Brunei, Malaysia or New Zealand. Lack of suitable port facilities, schedule pressure, no invitation extended due to PRC geopolitical machinations, other causes? Potential for unannounced visit by elements of CSG? Dunno, a somewhat curious plan to avoid visiting significant allies after the effort involved in generating an eight month cruise/deployment. Have to believe these folks would appreciate a visit from ‘mother,’ especially when she is clutching a large rolling pin to discourage bullies. 🤔😉
Brunei lacks port facilities plus its dry (no alcohol) NZ is too far away. Malaysia regularly hosts US carriers so I can’t imagine they would refuse UK.
Singapore is the more important one as they will want to use Royal Navy facilities based there.
Too few ships and too many potential port visits to fit in the likes of Brunei, Malaysia (both well frequently visited by the OPV’s) or New Zealand (just far off the beaten track). POW herself now seems set for visits to Singapore, Indonesia, Darwin in Australia, Japan and South Korea between now and the end of September. Maybe she’ll also squeeze in a visit to US Naval Base Guam for some assisted maintenance plus R&R? Then homeward bound and presumably by early December all over for another four or so years.
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