The Royal Navy has launched its first major training operation of the year alongside NATO allies, as HMS Prince of Wales leads a vast allied carrier force into Exercise Med Strike off the coast of Italy.
The UK Carrier Strike Group is now engaged in a high-intensity week-long exercise with allied navies and air forces in the Ionian Sea, marking the beginning of its eight-month mission to the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise features two carrier strike groups, 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, 10 maritime patrol aircraft, and over 8,000 personnel from across NATO, including the UK, Italy, Canada, France, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States.
“This is a major moment in the UK Carrier Strike Group’s global deployment and will test our skills alongside NATO allies in a region of fundamental importance to UK security,” said Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group.
HMS Prince of Wales is joined by F-35B Lightning stealth fighters and an Astute-class submarine, forming a powerful UK-led contingent that integrates seamlessly with allied maritime forces. Italy’s flagship ITS Cavour and her carrier strike group are playing a key role, with both nations focusing on anti-submarine warfare and complex maritime operations.
Exercise Med Strike is not only the first full workout for the UK CSG but also a strategic demonstration of NATO’s maritime power. “Working at the heart of a powerful NATO force sends a strong message and shows clearly the phenomenal capabilities that not only the UK possesses but the alliance as a whole,” Commodore Blackmore added.
This follows the group’s recent involvement in Exercise Neptune Strike, where the CSG came under NATO command to contribute to allied deterrence operations in the Euro-Atlantic. The deployment is officially known as Operation Highmast.
Between now and December, the Carrier Strike Group will operate alongside air, sea, and land forces from a dozen allied nations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia.
This is the second full deployment of a British carrier strike group, following HMS Queen Elizabeth’s 2021 mission. Over 4,500 UK personnel are involved in Operation Highmast, including nearly 600 RAF personnel, 900 soldiers, and 2,500 sailors and Royal Marines.
Where’s the pics Georgie?!
Credible force w/in a NATO lake. Would be more impressive if an equivalent group could be assembled on an away court, perchance the SCS?
F/USAF, Op HIGHMAST aka CSG25, of course does include activities in the Western Pacific Rim, but not sure of proximity to SCS or whether any elements will transit the Taiwan Strait.
It would’ve been cool to see HMS Prince Of Wales along with ITS Trieste, like Dr Evil and Mini Me.
Cavour not Trieste… Oh well hope they land a harrier on the prince.
It’s actually the first time the Italians are operating F35 off their own carriers, so more likely we will see swaps both ways there.
I wonder if they waited until the most experienced ski ramp operators turned up before practicing on their smaller decks?
I think they’ve avoided harriers onboard for good reason.
Also Trieste isn’t certified for F35B yet
I hope we get to see this fantastic line up in a gallery. That would be an Impressive sight, just needs the French CSG to join and that would send the most powerful message to the World.
” You’re simply the best, better than all the rest”.
We don’t need the French for anything. Certainly not to send a powerful message . They do nothing but whinge on endlessly about our carriers, F35 etc etc .
Have there been any photos of the POW deck with the air Wing?
Beyond those taken when the group first sailed, which showed 12 F35 on deck.
There seem to be few shots or film available?
There are some photos on NavyLookout.
Nice to show Russia and China NATO is …..??? Ok how many is US send cause ONE Carrier task force has more than the whole fleet that’s being deployed
So proud of my grandson and all the other young navy personnel on the Prince of Wales , you are a credit to your country ,stay safe , see you in Portsmouth come December👏👏👍👊
And of course no mention of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary that are going along to support the Armed forces of the Task Group.
We really are a Non Specific Operating Group.
I remain terribly concerned for our service personnel as CSG heads towards the Red Sea; and I am sure the families of those on board will be similarly concerned. I really should not need to explain why.
God’s Speed to all.
Might be an idea whilst there out there turn these illegal terrorists around, sponsored by warlords invading our country. Hurry up quickly. COME ON REFORM make our country great again. Nobody ever asks where they are all their monies from????? It takes our children twenty years to save up for mortgages and for weddings. These illegals turn up time & time again and try several times before they get in at £5/6k a pop. Unless of course there’s a summer 2 for 1 deal been put on.
Make use of the navy for once, and do some real exercise instead of the gym or games rooms on their ships.
I wish they would attack Crimea and drive the Russians out of Ukraine instead of playing war games and squandering tax payers money.
Doesn’t send any form of power projection anymore, those days are over. And they have no punch.
It’s just a target rich environment
Indeed
Why does the author use the anglicized version of all the countries except Turkey?