Striking new images released by the Ministry of Defence show the UK Carrier Strike Group operating at pace in the Red Sea, as the task group continues its eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast.
Photographs captured by LPhot Helayna Birkett, LPhot Kevin Walton, AS1 Amber Mayall RAF, and LPhot Bill Spurr.
The transit forms part of a broader maritime push aimed at reinforcing UK commitments to regional security across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Western Pacific Rim.
The images also show the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales fully loaded with F-35B Lightning II jets — fifth-generation, multi-role stealth fighters capable of strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare missions.
These jets, from 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, embarked from RAF Marham in Norfolk and represent a core combat capability of the task group.
One photo captures engineers from 617 Squadron carrying lashings in preparation for flight operations on 2 June 2025, underscoring the day-to-day tempo of the deployment.
Led by the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier, the Carrier Strike Group includes warships and assets from around a dozen nations. In total, around 4,500 British personnel are deployed: roughly 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, 600 Royal Air Force personnel, and 900 soldiers from the British Army.
The deployment is not only military in nature. According to the MoD, Operation Highmast also aims to strengthen ties with allies, reassure partners, and promote UK trade and industry globally.
The task group is now en route to large-scale multinational exercises in the Indian Ocean and beyond, with additional port visits and defence engagements expected in the Pacific region.
Hmmm…wonder whether regular programming will be interrupted as a result of current events? Political masters may find it convenient to retain a CSG in the immediate vicinity for a while to protect British interests in the ME….🤔
Perhaps but I wonder what the allied nations providing support to CSG25 would think of that? I’m sure Spain is just along for the ride because they want to sell warships to Australia.
They would not leave the group high and dry.
Fair point…
Probably best to scoot off across the Indian ocean out of any Iranian/Houthi retaliation.
Personally Frank, I think that would negate the whole reason we have these ships/capabilities. HMS POW is built to roam the worlds oceans and react to any threat. Running away to hide from possible harm is not the way to showcase this amazing capability.
No. The deployment serves a broader (western) strategic purpose and it would take more than a regional war to effectively cancel it.
shame about the rest of the group aren’t in the picture too
The magazine photo would have been more impressive if it was of long-range air launched munitions (for land and air); (both*) unfortunately still years off IOC.
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* SPEAR 5 and Meteor.
Wow-PoW is certainly photogenic especially facing that formidable bow!