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?
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 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”.
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.