HMS Prince of Wales has left Scotland to begin a deployment to Nordic waters and the High North, sailing from the Glen Mallan jetty in Loch Long after spending the bank holiday weekend loading ammunition and supplies, according to the Royal Navy.

The carrier will be joined by Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and tanker RFA Tidespring, exercising with NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force throughout the deployment.

The force will initially head for the fjords near Bergen, conducting intensive swarm attack drills alongside Wildcat helicopters of 815 Naval Air Squadron, P2000 patrol boats and Norwegian missile craft during Exercise Tamber Shield, which is designed to hone the tactical agility required to protect high-value assets from small, fast-manoeuvrable threats in confined waters.

The focus will then shift to the High North and open waters, where the group will take part in Dynamic Mongoose, described as NATO’s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise in Northern Europe.

Captain Ben Power, Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, said the carrier stood ready as the nation’s flagship “to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s commitment to NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force” and thanked families for their “unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters.”

Commander James Mitchell, Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan, said the Type 45 brought “world-class air defence capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units” and that training alongside allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthened the ability to “operate as an integrated and resilient force.”

Commodore Rich Hewitt, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, said the deployment delivered “a clear signal of the UK’s steadfast commitment to working with regional partners and securing Europe’s northern flank” and that in an increasingly volatile environment, integration with partner nations was “vital to safeguarding our mutual interests.”

George Allison
George Allison
George Allison is the founder and editor of the UK Defence Journal. He holds a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in naval and cyber security topics. George has appeared on national radio and television to provide commentary on defence and security issues. Twitter: @geoallison
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100 COMMENTS

    • Yes. That’s pretty normal for such exercises with allies. We did similar exercises with the Invincible class carrier’s. Just carrying helicopters and one T42 destroyer as the escort.

      • Yes and we had the confidence of having numerous assets that could quickly back It all up should It become necessary.

        Morning Robert, hope you are well.

        • Hi mate. They did. But all assets would have commitments. I remember being on Illustrious in May 2007 doing a balt ops exercise. One of the engines packed up and we had to leave the exercise early and limp back to pompey on one engine. No other carrier was deployed to replace us. Shit happens sometimes. If that happened today. The Internet would be alive with crys of embarrassment and disgrace from people who haven’t a clue about real world operations. Back then, you just got on with it. It happens to every Navy at some point

          • “Rusty Lusty” !

            Don’t mention the Lift 😎😎😎

            (It wasn’t my fault either, just sayin). 👀⚓

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  4. Will we be able to provide 1 anti-submarine frigate for ‘NATO’s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise in Northern Europe’? At a push, maybe. But given the rough seas in the high north we might have to decommission the ship afterwards.

  5. Any F35 aircraft on board HMS Prince of Wales. Seems a bit pointless not to have a reasonable number of F35 on board.

      • NL says none at all, which is unfortunate.
        MQ9B STOL would be perfect for this sort of ASW exercise, just saying…

          • The poor engine can only make 900hp, it would barely get planing!
            Flying boat AWACS though, that could be quite something. When Saro were looking for something to use the Princess for in the 1950s one of the madder ideas was to stick some enormous radar on it and use it to organise carrier air attacks over the Atlantic, but nobody’s suggested it since.
            Airlander can also land on water and I think that is how HAV were planning to offer it for carrier AEW but that doesn’t quite have the same glamour.

            PS to add to our previous conversation, China are moving into flying boats with the AVIC AG600 and the as yet unnamed WiG aircraft, so the future clearly lies there!

            • I just knew you would mention “Airlander” !

              So predictable 😁😁😁

              Catalina’s did amazing work In WW2, useful In so many different roles, I just can’t see why It’s not an option anymore.

              • There’s a Company in the States called Next generation Amphibious Aircraft (NGAA), that are looking to build Catalina 2s for both military and civilian use. I think the airframe mostly stays the same, but they’ve replaced the piston engines with turboprops. Interesting image of the military version of the Catalina 2 being as a gunship on their web page.

                • Love it, a Catalina with Hellfires under one wing and a RHIB under the other. Just needs sonobuoy dispensers in the waist bubbles.

        • “MQ9B STOL would be perfect for this sort of ASW exercise, just saying…”

          MQ9B footprint is huge,24m wingspan so significant hangar area would be wasted plus at what sea state/wind can take off and land…

          • I don’t know about the sea state question, that’s one of the big problems hanging over MQ9B STOL at the moment.
            But with the footprint/hangar area, firstly the STOL version has a shorter wing because the chord is so much greater, it’s about 20m wingspan rather than 24m. Secondly it has power folding wings so the hangar area issue isn’t a problem at all, it folds down to smaller than an F35B.

    • We did very similar exercises back in the Invincible class days with just helicopters onboard and one T42 as escort. Its a NATO exercises. The RN contributing is part of a larger multinational task group.

    • In principle you’d want a few for CAP against Russian jets, but the main focus is ASW, because that’s always been the main threat in that region. Bear in mind that the Invincibles were originally conceived as ‘antisubmarine cruisers’, with little expectation that they’d carry much (or any) fixed wing aircraft.

    • everytime one of the carriers leaves pompey, it should have escort ships and an embarked air wing of some size.

  6. An honest govt would say we are skint, DIP delayed, the bond markets going moody so we won’t be doing any ego deployments, not basing forces on continental Europe or doing freedom of Navigation. Missions in the far east. Just tell NATO that we can barely keep the deterrent at sea, out last 5 frigates might die at any minute and the army is shot and announce we are in no position to lead a collection to open the straits of Hormuz, nor police a ceasefire in Ukraine.
    They can share the blame with the Tories. Just retreat. Stop posturing and accept our time as a global player is done. It’s a farce.

    • An honest government would say we don’t understand this economics thingamajig instead of telling everyone to gamble on the stock market. But expecting an honest government is like waiting for Santa.

  7. Don’t panic,

    We still have HMS Spey to defend our Southern Shores.

    Just saw a Trawler being painted Grey In Brixham. 🤔👀😎
    With “Dipping Sonar Crab Pots” being loaded aft.

    Listen……. Is that Drakes Drum again 🤔🤔🤔

    • Everyone know the best way to detect a sub is getting the trawlers out and waiting for them to disappear like the barrels in jaws…

        • NOT SPECIFICALLY MATE, I DOUBT IF ANYONE KNOWS YE.t IF IT GOES ANYTHING LIKE t26 they’ll still be arguing about the specs when they could be actually building them.

  8. Deter Russia from doing what exactly? What NATO has been doing for the last 30 years? Deter Russia from having freedom of passage? Or just a sop to European populations, creating a narrative for when NATO decides to go to war with Russia…

    • Invading the Baltic nations, perhaps, which I have no doubt they would have. An awful lot easier to take on Estonia without NATO than Ukraine, or even Georgia.

      • The Russians have no intentions of invading the Baltic states… that’s a Western/NATO narrative to justify the build up of forces there to prepare the West to invade Russia or at least create a false flag to get a war started.
        Ukraine uses the Baltic states as a ‘safe’ drone corridor to attack Russia The Baltic States, along with Finland and Sweden continually move their air and sea space borders to create Russian infringements, and you, by the looks of it, have bought into Russia bad and NATO (bombing counties willy nilly for the last 27 years) good narrative…

        • Good try on spreading misinformation but Russia has been invading it’s neighbours ever since the fall of the Soviet Union and has a stated goal of restoring the Russian Empire. Makes you look a bit silly really

            • What’s your point? That because NATO invaded Afghanistan, it’s okay for Russia to invade Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, therefore NATO doesn’t need to guard against that? All three of those countries have Russian troops in them right now against their government’s wishes. All three have had territory carved out by Russian salami slicing. Russia knows that if it keeps slices long enough, people will stop talking about it. For example Karelia and the South Kuril Islands, and even small places like Pechory. As for “Russia has no intentions”, it wasn’t that long ago that Russia was saying it would never invade Ukraine (even while it held Crimea and had annexed it). Admittedly we sent Liz Truss to discuss the matter, which would be enough to make anyone angry. Russia has been taking territory from multiple countries this century. It will grab whatever it thinks it can hold onto. That’s why NATO needs to be on guard.
              If (unlike me) you feel there’s some kind of reciprocity to what America is doing in Iran, then the more fool Russia for not guarding against that. Doesn’t mean NATO should be foolish too.

            • The interesting thing is, I’ve seen that Gravatar before, but not for this username. I remember it as I was curious where the photo was.

              • I remember seeing it several times before, on either ‘russia isn’t a threat’ or ‘russia will beat NATO’ narratives. I think there was also one completely lunatic conspiracy theorist.

              • Just ask, Daniele – the photo was taken in East Africa when I worked there for an American company. You were right about a previous name i used to use as well… I changed it to Dog Watch to indicate my old Navy experience. I am not a ‘lunatic conspiracy theorist’ – but I am willing to challenge the narrative given out by our politicians, military leaders and a few armchair warriors. I am also willing to be educated, that’s why I am willing to listen to what people like Victoria Nuland and Jack Matlock have to say. It tends to provide another angle on the endless wars we seem to have. No need to reply unless you want to further insult my intelligence… Enjoy the day

                • Only so much as to say thanks, I found the photo interesting.
                  I have enjoyed my day, my wife and I marched to the polling office!

        • And the cheque is in the post and no I promise I wont c*m in your mouth! Keep posting, those bucket of spuds are nearly yours. Your illustrious leader has actually said as much. I see your May day fascist get together was a bit light on Armour.

  9. Given historical context and geography svalbard is a likely candidate location for Russia to fabricate a flashpoint.

    Sweden and Finland have been dealing with multiple Russisn encroachments for decades before they joined NATO. ..nothing to do with NATO…just reality of an agressive neighbour.

    • Less than what she was really and actually designed and paid for. (36 – 42 if you look back far enough plus other aircraft, up to 70 In Total In times of trouble… Where’s Spock and Grinch gone ?)

      But as we are not at war, there Is no real need to carry any I guess, or maybe just a few to do stuff.

      Who knows 🤔😁

      Sorry, what was the question ?

      • It is 70 all out, wartime, normal rules no longer apply. As you know.
        Rather than 70, two airgroups, each of 1 orc2 F35Sqn, 1 Merlin Sqn, and assorted Flights of Merlin HC4 and Wildcat, for both Carriers, would be fantastic.
        But Merlin is at an even greater pinch point than F35.

        • Yup, I like to remind people of the facts as they once were when all the decisions were being made. Also because we always hear about how many the Yanks can carry but we alas, are not able to fill ours.

          I’m sure It will awaken the usual suspects again !!!

          Where are all the Usual Suspects anyway ?

            • Ha, great answer, I try to find little windows of opportunity to pop in, It’s a lot easier now than when I would have been working, plus I get up really early most days now, so I have plenty of time to catch up whilst others are asleep.

              I guess we are all Saddos and Halfwits at the end of the day 😁

              Today I have been playing with Bikes, waiting for nuts and bolts to arrive and generally Titivating, It’s very satisfying restoring old bikes back to original factory fresh condition.

              • And today, I finished a painting, had a long walk, and went out to vote.
                Life’s good. Might potter in the garden after, it need to keep an eye out for cats as we’ve baby Great Tits in the bird box.

  11. On exactly the same day, France announces that the CdeG CSG has transited the Suez Canal and is now operational in the Red Sea, along with Italian and Dutch warships.

  12. I find it baffling that we send a Aircraft carrier with no planes,even if they aren’t really needed for the exercise surley the optics look terrible for us as a navy

    • Really do not understand why we send an aircraft carrier north without the aircraft it was manufactured to accommodate. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice take off’s, landings and navigation in a hostile weather environment + it shows your adversary you are ready if required for conflict.

    • I can’t disagree, but ultimately all the UK’s F-35’s are owned by the RAF and they prioritise land based ops – the most important currently being sustaining 6 F-35B’s in Cyprus. The RAF will always bitterly resist any carrier based deployments, with Defence Secretary or even PM having to make the final decision. Possibly the RAF may let a few F-35B’s be briefly embarked to park on the flight deck if, as expected, the carrier participates in the International Fleet Review 250 in New York on 4 July.

      • Whats the point of sending the aircraft carrier then?can we not just send Choppers from land?
        My thoughts are if your aircraft carrier is out at sea its always best to at least Have one bloody jet on it!!not to have any is dire,France look at the moment like giants compared to us 😫😫

        • Don’t be ridiculous, the helicopters couldn’t just fly out from land. They wouldn’t be able to reach parts of the Atlantic. For those areas they could reach, the reduction in search time on station would mean you’d need far more Merlins and you’d greatly reduce their lifespans flying back and forth.

          Pretty pointless having one jet aboard.

          France has one, elderly aircraft carrier. We have two brand new carriers.

          Maybe you should check the facts before getting hysterical in future?

          • Wow its people like you as to why we are in such a mess…what’s pointless is sending a aircraft carrier thats billions of pounds out in the ocean without any fixed wing aircraft on it!!

            Frances carrier may be old but its on the water and its doing exactly what its supposed to do!!

            Any single person who tells me that its a perfectly good idea to send a carrier to sea without its main air wing is confused!!

            It would be worth having a couple of jets on-board if russia decides to buzz it like it did to our T45 Duncan with 28 jets flying around it!!

            If its to far to fly out from land,why not just send a frigate or just a T45??they can carry whats needed

            • It has its “main air wing”. The wing is flexible and adapted for the specific mission. Where it is operating the Russians couldn’t buzz it with 28 jets, the range means thats impossible. How many frigates would it take to carry the helicopter load out the carrier has, how much would that cost?

            • Do tell educate us all on what role you think F35s have in ASW? This should be hilarious to read.

              Do tell what you’d expect these “couple of jets” would do against these 28 Russian jets? As I recall HMS Duncan was perfectly fine and had it come to shooting, then she would have quickly wiped them out.

              No a single Type 45 could not carry enough Merlins for ASW work. 🤦🏻‍♂️

              That you suggest sending an AAW destroyer to do ASW work, instead of an ASW frigate shows you know everything about hysteria but nothing about naval warfare.

              • ASW worked should be carried out by the type 23 until the 26 is built.

                What is so insanely naive about your comments is that you have no sense of the world around you!
                The carrier should be protected at all levels at all times thats basic knowledge!

                They may be going North for ASW work HOWEVER if things turned south for any number of reason as the world is so fucked atm! a carrier without its full compliment both aircraft and escort is weak!
                Man you really are simple just thinking because its a ASW drill 💯 nothing else will happen and everything is Rosie!!
                Its far better to be prepared for anything simple boy 😘

                • “ASW worked should be carried out by the type 23 until the 26 is built”
                  😂🤣😂🤣

                  So what you’re now saying is we shouldn’t use our other ASW assets – Merlin’s, P-8s, Astutes… Instead you’d rather overwork our already knackered Type 23s by having them do all the ASW 🤦🏻‍♂️

                  Are you a Russian asset?!?

                  If the carrier is diverted for another mission then its airwing etc can be fully replaced very quickly with whatever is most appropriate. If it’s heading South to Med/Middle East then having Merlins about reduces the number of F35s that can be carried. You’re wanting her going somewhere without a full F35 air-wing 🤦🏻‍♂️

                  Take your Valium and stop embarrassing yourself.

          • The key board warrier strike’s again, you really have no idea about what you are talking about have you.
            The UK have used Carriers as the centre point for ASW for the last 40 years, the rational behind that is so that the fixed wing element of the Carrier operations act as the protection of not only the escort fleet but also the heli’s going about there anti sub roles the reason for this is because most of the Northern Atlantic is within rang of Russian aircraft so without a “CAP” the fleet and there Heli’s are in danger of being attacked. The PoW is off to Norway then to all points North but at the moment has no fixed wing element so will have to rely on fighters from Norway, Iceland and Greenland but due to the limited range there will be gaps in that coverage. Not to mention the extra fuel needed to maintain a shore based “CAP”.

            • I see you’re clearly still smarting from the last-time I humiliated you by proving that you were factually wrong. So petty.

              I’m sorry, who are we in a full blown shooting war with at the moment? Who’s going to be attacking PoW?
              The beleaguered Russians(?), or do think Trump will order her sunk so that he has less opposition for a Greenland invasion?
              🤦🏻‍♂️

              • Not really Mr Spock I just dislike people who know naff all and to hide their ignorance behind pseudonym’s posting pathetic cartoons as they cannot contribute to a conversation.
                The reason why it would be better for the PoW to have a full compliment of fixed and rotary winged aircraft is so it can practice for worst case incidents such as an attack by Russian aircraft and /or surface vessels. This is the reason why the military have such exercises. If you are unable/unwilling to do such exercises then when the real thing happens you are going to get a bit of a shock Mr Spock.

                • No it’s pretty obvious, big men admit their mistakes and you’re obviously tiny in stature.

                  So what part of ‘ASW exercise’ did you not comprehend that you think PoW should be practising air-defence?
                  Presumably you’re also going to whinge that ASW wasn’t practised during last-year’s Med Strike air-defence exercise?

                  Why would it practice such a ridiculous scenario as you propose? You don’t send surface vessels to sink surface vessels when you can send a submarine or aircraft. You’re clearly living in the last century.

                  BTW they’re not “cartoons”, they’re emojis… 🦕

                  • I understand why you limit your remarks to cartoons and insults, it because you are thick, you have zero understanding of the military and why the have to exercise.
                    May I suggest you put down the play station and in-list in the real military.

                    • I understand why you’re a dinosaur that refuses to learn anything – whether that that be something as complex as how ASW is done or as simple as what an emoji is.

                      You’re obsolete, stuck in the past, and refuse to learn anything new.
                      It’s not because you’re a geriatric, it’s not because you have dementia (yet). No its because you’re an arrogant prick and probably have been your entire life.

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