Thread: UK Sends Aircraft Carrier Strike Group On 8-Month Indo-Pacific Mission

British Navy Upgrades Frigate HMS Richmond with Networked Warfare Tech for Indo-Pacific deployment.

As it prepares to deploy with the UK Carrier Strike Group, the frigate HMS Richmond has become the first vessel of its class to receive a major upgrade to its tactical communications systems. Introduced just days before departure for the Indo-Pacific, this technological enhancement marks a significant step in the Royal Navy’s adaptation to an operational environment increasingly shaped by multi-domain threats and the need for constant connectivity between naval, air, and joint forces.

The Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, commissioned in 1995 and based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, has been fitted with the modernised Link 16 Crypto system—an updated version of the tactical data link network widely used across NATO. This upgrade enables secure, rapid, and reliable exchange of real-time tactical data with other units. Such capability has become critical in high-threat environments where engagements can unfold in seconds, as demonstrated during HMS Richmond’s encounter with Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea in early 2024. Within a task group, the vessel detecting a threat is not always best positioned to engage it, making the timely transmission of targeting data essential to coordinated defence.

HMS Richmond is a 133-metre-long, 4,900-tonne frigate designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare but capable of performing a broad range of missions. It carries a crew of 185 and is equipped with Sea Ceptor air defence missiles, Naval Strike Missiles with anti-ship and land-attack capabilities, a 114mm main gun, Sting Ray torpedoes, and either a Wildcat or Merlin helicopter.

Throughout its service, HMS Richmond has been involved in multiple operations, including the Iraq War in 2003, humanitarian missions in the Caribbean, maritime security patrols in the South Atlantic, deployments in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, and multinational exercises with NATO and regional partners. In January 2024, the ship intercepted two Houthi drones in the Red Sea, underscoring its ongoing role in maritime security operations.

Modernised between 2017 and 2019 under the LIFEX programme, the ship received new MTU diesel generators and the Sea Ceptor missile system. In March 2025, it was also fitted with Naval Strike Missiles. That same month, HMS Richmond became the first of its class to receive the modernised Link 16 and the Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), a satellite-based system that extends tactical data transmission beyond line-of-sight. These capabilities significantly enhance Richmond’s ability to share situational awareness across the Carrier Strike Group, particularly during dispersed operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

The addition of JREAP enables the ship to transmit tactical data via satellite, overcoming the limitations of traditional radio-based communications during long-range operations. This ensures operational cohesion across great distances, a critical factor in maritime environments like the Indo-Pacific. Richmond now serves as a demonstrator for the UK’s Maritime Multi Link (MML) programme, which aims to modernise tactical communications across the surface fleet. The programme also includes upgrades to the NATO-standard Link 22 system, which uses HF and UHF radio and complements Link 16. Installing these systems on a 30-year-old platform required close coordination between the Royal Navy, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), industry partners BAE Systems and Relay, and the ship’s crew.

Incorporating these systems has strengthened Richmond’s interoperability within NATO and joint environments and aligns with the Royal Navy’s concept of distributed lethality. According to Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the Carrier Strike Group, this networked combat architecture will offer enhanced tactical awareness to the 2,000 personnel participating in the deployment, particularly in increasingly contested strategic areas.

This deployment forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to increase its presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region, a zone of growing strategic importance marked by intensifying geopolitical competition, particularly between China and Western-aligned powers. The UK’s “Indo-Pacific tilt,” outlined in its Integrated Review, reflects a shift in focus toward protecting vital sea lanes, supporting the rules-based international order, and strengthening security partnerships with regional allies such as Japan, Australia, and India. By participating in multinational naval activities and demonstrating its ability to project force and cooperate across vast distances, the UK seeks to reaffirm its role as a global maritime power.

HMS Richmond’s participation in this deployment as part of the Carrier Strike Group is a concrete expression of that ambition. Operating alongside other Royal Navy ships and allied forces, the frigate contributes to joint exercises, patrols freedom of navigation, and regional deterrence missions. Its upgraded communication and data-sharing systems enhance the task group’s cohesion and responsiveness in this strategically vital but geographically dispersed theatre, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to stability and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

British Navy Upgrades Frigate HMS Richmond with Networked Warfare Tech for Indo-Pacific deployment

PM Keir Starmer watches F-35 fighter jets on HMS Prince of Wales

Lightning off the LizardÂ… Stealth fighters join carrier as HMS Prince of WalesÂ’ air group assembles

The most powerful deployment of UK airpower at sea this century is now embarked aboard HMS Prince of Wales and her carrier group after two days of intense activity at air bases across southern England – and especially on the deck of the UK flagship.

Since departing her home base of Portsmouth on Tuesday, when thousands of people lined the waterfront to give the carrier an unforgettable send-off, the carrier has been embarking a succession of aircraft off the south coast, ready to begin the 7½-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

A smattering of helicopters – Merlin Mk4s and Wildcats from RNAS Yeovilton – were on deck for the carrier’s departure.

But the bulk of the airpower - more than three dozen aircraft, helicopters and drones, spearheaded by F-35B Lightnings – has joined the ship at sea (although many of the supporting personnel and engineers, spare parts, tools etc embarked in Portsmouth).

Reinforcing the importance of the Operation Highmast deployment – intended to send a powerful message that the UK and its allies stand ready to protect vital trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region and deterring those who seek to undermine global security – the Prime Minister joined the flagship to observe the aircraft arriving and thank crew for their commitment and dedication.

Sir Keir Starmer hailed the “national endeavour” which had delivered HMS Prince of Wales, her hi-tech systems and machinery, and continued to support the Carrier Strike Group 2025 mission.

"As she heads out on one of the largest deployments this century, we are sending a clear message of strength to our adversaries, and a message of unity and purpose to our allies,” the premier said.

“We will always stand with our allies and our commitment to global stability is unshakeable.”

He learned from the strike groupÂ’s command team of the potency and complexity of the air wing which includes:

• 18 F-35B Lightnings from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron RAF which flew aboard from RAF Marham in Norfolk (a further six stealth fighters will join the carrier later in the deployment).
• 16 Merlin (Mk2 anti-submarine and Airborne Surveillance and Control variants to join the troop carrying/utility Mk4s) and Wildcat maritime attack helicopters.
• Numerous Malloy and Puma drone flights which will perform missions as varied as transferring supplies between the task group and from ship to shore to conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

This air power is flown/maintained/operated and choreographed by around 750 personnel, mostly on the carrier, under Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group.

Collectively, in terms of capability, the RN hasnÂ’t sent such a force to sea before.

“It’s taken a huge endeavour to get to this point thanks to thousands of people in squadrons and air bases and supporting staff and industry,” he said.

“It’s a huge privilege to lead this air group, to show what it can do and I’m massively looking forward to it.”

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HMS Prince of Wales leads biggest UK deployment of naval air power this century

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New Zealand warship to join British Carrier Strike Group

New Zealand’s Royal Navy will join Britain’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific, in a major step to deepen defence and security ties between the two countries, the UK Government has announced.

During a visit to Britain this week, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cement a new era of cooperation.

Central to the announcement was confirmation that the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will join the UK Carrier Strike Group — led by HMS Prince of Wales — as it sails across the Indian Ocean towards the Pacific Rim

According to a Downing Street statement, the leaders agreed that working together at sea would “strengthen national security, uphold stability across the Indo-Pacific, and reaffirm the longstanding bonds between our armed forces.” The deployment forms part of Operation Highmast, the Royal Navy’s flagship global mission of 2025 involving a dozen allied nations.

Beyond maritime operations, the two governments confirmed deeper collaboration in other areas of defence. Ministers have been instructed to develop a new joint defence agreement, succeeding the 2015 partnership, and reflecting increased defence spending in both countries — the UK to 2.5% and New Zealand to 2% of GDP.

Prime Minister Starmer emphasised the historical and enduring partnership between the two nations, stating: “From the beaches of Gallipoli to the joint training of Ukrainian forces today, the UK and New Zealand have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder in pursuit of peace and stability.”

New Zealand warship to join British Carrier Strike Group

Royal Navy begins first major workout of headline global deployment

The Royal Navy is about begin a week-long exercise alongside NATO allies as its 2025 headline global deployment ramps up.

The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), with flagship HMS Prince of Wales at its heart, is on an eight-month mission to the Indo-Pacific and has just arrived off Italy’s south coast for Exercise Med Strike.

The strike group is made up of an array of warships, aircraft and an Astute-class submarine, creating a potent UK force centred on fifth generation stealth jets – in the form of F-35B Lightning fighters embarked on Prince of Wales – capable of operating closely with NATO allies and partners across the globe.

Exercise Med strike – which begins tomorrow (May 5) and conclude on Sunday (May 11) – will bring all the component pieces of the CSG together.

In the waters of the Ionian Sea – between Taranto and Sicily – a force of two carrier strike groups, 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, ten patrol aircraft and more than 8,000 personnel will train together.

The Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group – with their own flagship and carrier ITS Cavour at its heart – will join with the UK CSG to anti-submarine warfare tactics among other skills.

“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.

“It is with great pride that we begin operations in the Mediterranean. I know UK and allied service personnel on the warships and aircraft of the Strike Group stand ready to deliver.

"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.”

Alongside the UK and Italy, Canada, France, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States are also involved in Exercise Med Strike.

The UK Carrier Strike Group entered the Mediterranean this week and was under NATO command as they participated in the alliance’s Exercise Neptune Strike – which forms a part of a mission to maintain security in the Euro-Atlantic region, deterring any aggressor who would seek to threaten freedom of navigation.

The CSG proved its ability to seamlessly integrate and contribute to NATO missions, working closely with forces from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Northern Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Türkiye and the United States.

The UK Carrier Strike Group is multinational by design. Ahead of Neptune Strike, the UK ships were joined by Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez and Norwegian ships HNoMS Maud and HNoMS Roald Amundsen.

Between now and December, the Carrier Strike Group will conduct a series of exercises and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia.

This is the second deployment of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. The first, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021, took place against the backdrop of a world in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic.

The 2025 mission, known as Operation Highmast and commanded by Commodore Blackmore and his staff from aboard HMS Prince of Wales, occurs with a changed world order and even more volatile geo-political situation.

The goal is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry.

Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel will be involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

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U.K., Italian Carrier Strike Groups Team Up in Ionian Sea

The U.K. and Italian carrier strike groups will meet in the Ionian Sea this week as part of a NATO exercise while the U.S. 6th Fleet is leading NATO At Sea Demonstration Formidable Shield 25 which kicked off on Saturday and taking place in the North and Norwegian Seas and North Atlantic Ocean.

The carriers are part of NATO Exercise Med Strike which kicked off on Monday. The drill marks the first major workout for the UKCSG for its eight-month deployment, according to a Royal Navy (RN) release.

Exercise Med Strike, taking place from Monday to Sunday in the waters of the Ionian Sea between Taranto and Sicily will involve 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fighter aircraft, 19 helicopters, ten patrol aircraft and more than 8,000 personnel, stated the release, though it did not provide the full list of the ships taking part in the drills. The UKCSG currently comprises of HMS Prince of Wales (R09), RN destroyer HMS Dauntless (D33), RN frigate HMS Richmond (F239), Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ville De Quebec (FFH332), Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F311) and fleet oiler HNoMS Maud (A530), Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Mendez Nunez (F-104), fleet oilers RFA Tidespring (A136) and RFA Tideforce (A139) and nuclear powered attack submarine HMS Astute (S119) though Maud will only be with the UKCSG for the Mediterranean phase of the deployment and will not follow it to the Indo-Pacfic.

The release stated that the Cavour CSG, led by aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (550) will join with the UKCSG to drill in anti-submarine warfare tactics among other skills, “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 UKCSG, in the release.

Alongside the UK and Italy, Canada, France, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States are also involved in Exercise Med Strike according to the release which added that The UK CSG entered the Mediterranean at the end of April and was under NATO command as it participated in NATO Exercise Neptune Strike 25.1, “The CSG proved its ability to seamlessly integrate and contribute to NATO missions, working closely with forces from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Northern Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Türkiye and the United States.”, read the RN release

The main objectives for Neptune Strike 25-1, which began on Apr.1 and taking place across the entire Mediterranean are to maintain freedom of navigation and maneuver in NATO’s area of operations, to secure strategic maritime chokepoints, to conduct deterrence and vigilance, and to increase the interoperability in operational domains, fostering NATO’s capabilities to enable multi-domain operations across Europe, according to a NATO release.

Earlier on Saturday, ten NATO nations and Australia kicked off exercise At Sea Demonstration / Formidable Shield 25 (ASD/FS25), led by U.S. Sixth Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), according to a Sixth Fleet release.

The release stated that ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater and that exercise is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) environment using NATO command and control reporting structures, “There is simply no substitute for the training and learning that occurs when we operate in these intensely realistic scenarios,” said Capt. Michael Dwan, Commander, Task Group 154.64 and STRIKFORNATO’s U.S. Maritime Ballistic Missile Defense Assets Advisor, in the release, “Training as a collective using NATO command and control reporting structure forges the bonds of interoperability and strengthens the alliance as a whole. Exercises like ASD/FS are critical for refining our collective integrated air and missile defense capabilities, ensuring we can respond effectively to any threat from any direction and maintain a credible deterrent posture.”.

ASD/FS 25 will include a series of live-fire events against unmanned air and surface systems, subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, multi-nation/multi-service ground-based air defenses, and aviation forces working across battlespaces and participating nations will share common tactical pictures and situational awareness, conduct NATO-level mission planning and engagement coordination, and exercise force-level pre-planned responses in various scenarios and situations, according to the release.

Participating nations include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, U.K., and U.S. with Australia providing a radar sensor for data collection only. More than 16 ships and 27 aircraft, eight ground units consisting of radars, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC), and approximately 6,900 personnel are taking part in the drills, according to the release, which did not provide a full list of participating ships.

Ships known to be taking part in the drills are Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804), which will serve as the command ship for the drills, U.S. Navy destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG-84) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), RN destroyer HMS Dragon (D35), Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361), Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Cristóbal Colón (F-105) and French Navy frigate FS Normandie (D651)

A Norwegian Armed Forces release stated the exercise runs until May 25 with the main activity in Norway taking place from Monday to Saturday in Andøya and its offshore waters before moving on to the Hebrides off Scotland.

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UK Carrier Strike Group shadowed by Russian intelligence gathering vessel in Mediterranean

The Russian AGI Viktor Leonov briefly shadowed the Royal Navy-led Carrier Strike group soon after they entered the Mediterranean in early May.

The Leonov had refuelled in Algeria before meeting the CSG in the western Mediterranean. HMS Dauntless is pictured above in company with the AGI on 2nd May. Intelligence gathering attempts by adversary navies are quite normal, and it would be surprising if there were not interactions between the CSG and Russian assets during the deployment. The Viktor Leonov was built in 1988 when the Soviet Union deployed a large fleet of AGIs, routinely trailing NATO warships, watching and attempting to gather signals and electronic intelligence.

Although the CSG may have to modify it is procedures and electronic emissions in the presence of the AGI, in some ways, the Russians’ arrival is useful for the group as they provide non-friendly targets to test reactions and keep everyone on their toes. The rest of the Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean is believed to consist of the frigate RFS Admiral Grigorovich, the corvette RFS Soobrazitelny and two supporting tankers.

The images below cover the tail end of the NATO exercise Neptune Strike and the group preparing for exercise Med Strike, which runs from 5th to 11th May in the Ionian Sea.

UK Carrier Strike Group shadowed by Russian intelligence gathering vessel in Mediterranean | Navy Lookout

Impressive images captured aboard HMS Prince of Wales show a sailor firing the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) during a gunnery exercise at sea.

The exercise took place on 27th April 2024 as part of Operation Highmast, the Royal NavyÂ’s flagship deployment for 2025. The drill showcased the shipÂ’s readiness to respond to potential threats during its extensive global mission.

As the flagship carrier continues its deployment, the gunnery drill serves as a vivid reminder of the Royal NavyÂ’s readiness to respond to emerging threats in a very specific way.

Operation Highmast

Britain recently launched its most ambitious naval deployment in years as HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Carrier Strike Group embark on an eight-month mission under Operation Highmast. The deployment, spanning the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific, marks a significant milestone for the Royal Navy and the United KingdomÂ’s commitment to global security.

Speaking during a media briefing aboard HMS Prince of Wales, Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, told myself and other assembled journalists that the deployment is “a global deployment, international by design” that brings together warships and personnel from 13 nations.

Key Objectives of Operation Highmast

Commodore Blackmore outlined three primary goals for the mission:

• Full Operating Capability (FOC): Confirming the strike groupÂ’s ability to deploy globally with modern aircraft, uncrewed systems, and advanced surface vessels.
• Commitment to NATO 2030: Reinforcing UK leadership within NATO through international exercises and coordination.
• Supporting Global Security & Prosperity: Enhancing regional stability and promoting a rules-based international order with key partners.

“We’ll operate with over 40 nations, from bilateral work with Singapore to major multi-carrier exercises in the Pacific with the US and Japan,” said Blackmore.

The Air Wing – UK’s Largest Modern Combat Air Package at Sea

The air wing embarked on HMS Prince of Wales will grow significantly during the deployment. Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group, confirmed that:

• The mission begins with 18 UK F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets, operated by RAF 617 Squadron ‘The DambustersÂ’ and 809 Naval Air Squadron ‘The ImmortalsÂ’.
• The number of F-35Bs will increase to 24 jets during the deployment, making it the largest ever operational deployment of British fifth-generation aircraft at sea.

“This is the most potent sovereign air power we’ve ever deployed. The capability of the F-35B is absolutely eye-watering,” said McGannity. “It’s a force multiplier in every sense.”

The air wing will also include:

• 16 UK helicopters, including Merlin Mk2s for anti-submarine warfare, Merlin Mk4 Commando variants, and Wildcat helicopters for armed reconnaissance.
• Three flights of drones, including Malloy T-150 heavy-lift drones and Puma surveillance UAVs.

“This deck will operate more aircraft than we’ve ever flown from a UK carrier,” added Blackmore. “More than any Illustrious-class carrier ever achieved.”

Strike Group Composition at Launch

The task group departs UK waters with the following naval assets:

• HMS Prince of Wales – Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier (flagship)
• HMS Dauntless – Type 45 air defence destroyer
• HMS Richmond – Type 23 anti-submarine frigate
• RFA Tidespring – Tide-class replenishment tanker
• HMCS Ville de Québec – Canadian multi-role frigate
• HNoMS Roald Amundsen – Norwegian anti-submarine frigate
• HNoMS Maud – Norwegian support tanker

With more than 3,000 UK military personnel aboard the ships, the total number of people involved will rise to over 4,000 during the multinational phases of the deployment.

“It’s a truly international force, with contributions from Canada, Norway, Spain, and eventually France, Japan, Australia, Korea and more,” said Blackmore.

A Message to Allies – and Adversaries

Asked whether the high-profile deployment sends a message amid global instability, Blackmore replied:

“Absolutely. You don’t build a capability like this to keep it tied up alongside. You put it to sea to exercise, to partner with allies, and if necessary, to fight. It’s a powerful signal of resolve.”

British aircraft carrier ‘opens fire’ in Mediterranean

British nuclear sub loads up on Tomahawk cruise missiles

HMS Astute has been spotted with Tomahawk cruise missiles in Gibraltar.

HMS Astute, the lead vessel of the Astute-class submarines, is equipped with advanced stealth capabilities and a suite of offensive weapons, including TLAMs. These missiles provide the Royal Navy with a strategic land-attack option, capable of striking targets with precision at distances up to 1,000 miles.

The loading of TLAMs in Gibraltar is a routine procedure that ensures the submarine remains mission-ready during extended deployments. Gibraltar’s strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea makes it a vital logistics hub for the Royal Navy, offering resupply and maintenance facilities for vessels operating in the region.

HMS Astute is currently participating in Operation Highmast, the UK’s premier naval deployment of 2025. This eight-month mission, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, involves a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducting exercises and operations with allied forces across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia.

Operation Highmast aims to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to global maritime security and the rules-based international order. The deployment includes participation in large-scale NATO exercises, such as Neptune Strike 2025, and bilateral engagements with partner nations. The presence of HMS Astute within the CSG enhances the group’s capabilities, providing advanced underwater intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as precision strike options.

The missile

The Tomahawk missile, also known as TLAM, allows Royal Navy submarines of the Astute class to strike at targets on land accurately at a range of around 1,000 miles.

The Tomahawk missile is a highly accurate

British nuclear sub loads up on Tomahawk cruise missiles

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UK Flagship HMS Prince of Wales Braces for Possible Houthi Attacks in Bab al-Mandeb Strait

British Carrier Strike Group enters Red Sea

Just before noon today (May 24), the UK Carrier Strike Group entered the Red Sea, marking a milestone in the early phase of Operation Highmast — Britain’s largest naval deployment in recent years.

After departing from the eastern Mediterranean, the Carrier Strike Group transited the Suez Canal early this morning, with passage beginning around 6am.

The task group includes the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, supported by escort and allied vessels such as HMCS Ville de Québec (Canada), HNoMS Roald Amundsen and logistics support ship Maud (Norway), and ESPS Méndez Núñez (Spain). HMS Richmond is expected to join shortly.

The transition into the Red Sea signals the start of the next operational phase of Operation Highmast, an eight-month deployment aimed at strengthening defence ties and bolstering UK presence in the Indo-Pacific. Led by HMS Prince of Wales, the group is expected to conduct joint exercises, port visits, and regional security operations in cooperation with allies including the United States, Australia, and Japan.

RAF assets have also been active in support of the operation. Two Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft were spotted over the Sinai Peninsula this morning, likely providing overwatch as the task group moved through one of the world’s busiest and most strategically sensitive waterways.

Operation Highmast follows the precedent set by the 2021 CSG21 deployment and underscores Britain’s continued commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The operation integrates air and naval assets from across the alliance, featuring UK F-35B jets, Merlin helicopters, and unmanned systems alongside allied platforms. Exercises will span the full spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and integrated air defence.

Despite today’s developments, Iranian media have been reporting that the UK remains outside the scope of the recent ceasefire agreement between the United States and Yemen. Naval operations in the Red Sea region will continue to be conducted with heightened awareness of ongoing tensions and the threat posed by regional actors.

Commanded by Commodore James Blackmore, the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment is intended to reinforce maritime security, deter potential threats, and enhance joint operational capability in contested environments. The task group’s arrival in the Red Sea marks another step toward that strategic goal.

British Carrier Strike Group enters Red Sea

British carrier enters Red Sea on global deployment

Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales has passed through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to begin the Indo-Pacific phase of her eight-month mission, according to a press release.

Flanked by destroyer HMS Dauntless, frigates HMS Richmond, HNoMS Roald Amundsen, HMCS Ville de Québec and ESPS Méndez Núñez, plus aviation units, the carrier transited the desert-lined waterway late last week before emerging into the Indian Ocean. Its flight deck carried F-35B Lightning II jets alongside Merlin and Wildcat helicopters while 4,500 British personnel, including sailors, marines, soldiers and RAF aircrew, support the deployment.

The move concludes a month of drills in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean that included a 21-ship, three-submarine exercise with the Italian Navy in the Ionian Sea involving 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters and 8,000 personnel. It is also the first time the 65,000-tonne carrier has operated this far east.

Codenamed Operation Highmast, the UK Carrier Strike Group will continue eastward toward the western Pacific Rim, conducting large-scale exercises with allied forces to underline the United Kingdom’s commitment to regional security and to promote British trade and industry.

During the transit the task group passed landmarks familiar to generations of Royal Navy sailors, from the inter-war Suez Canal Memorial to the 230-foot-high Al Salam Bridge.

The press release states that the ultimate goal of the mission is to demonstrate collective resolve with allies across the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indo-Pacific while showcasing the reach, agility and deterrent value of Britain’s carrier strike capability.

British Commandos fast-rope onto aircraft carrier

Royal Marine Commandos have been pictured fast-roping from a Merlin Mk4 helicopter onto the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales, as part of ongoing operations under the UK-led Carrier Strike Group deployment, Operation Highmast.

The training, conducted on 11 June during the group’s transit through the Red Sea, involved personnel from 42 Commando and 845 Naval Air Squadron. The exercise demonstrated the UK’s capability to deploy forces rapidly from the air in high-tempo maritime environments.

The Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, operated by Commando Helicopter Force, hovered above the aircraft carrier while Marines descended by rope to the deck. The technique, used when helicopters cannot land, allows for rapid insertion of personnel and is commonly employed in boarding operations and amphibious missions.

The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is currently on an eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment involving warships and personnel from more than a dozen allied nations. The task group includes Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, and Spanish Navy frigate Méndez Núñez, among others.

Known as Operation Highmast, the deployment is intended to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to regional security and defence cooperation across the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific Rim. According to the Ministry of Defence, it also serves to promote British trade, industry, and diplomatic ties.

More than 4,500 British personnel are taking part in the operation, including 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, nearly 900 British Army troops, and around 600 Royal Air Force personnel. Fast-roping exercises like the one conducted this week are part of wider preparations for joint exercises with regional partners in the coming months.

The aircraft carrier’s air group includes F-35B Lightning jets from 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, supported by Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. These assets are providing a mixture of air defence, strike capability, intelligence gathering and logistical support throughout the deployment.

Photographs of the training, released by the Ministry of Defence, capture the moment Royal Marines descended onto the carrier’s deck against the backdrop of Red Sea operations. The images, taken by Petty Officer Photographer James Clarke, highlight the scale and ambition of the UK’s flagship deployment in 2025.

China criticises UK warship HMS Spey sailing in Taiwan Strait

China's military has called a British warship's recent passage through the Taiwan Strait a disruptive act of "intentional provocation" that "undermines peace and stability".

The British Royal Navy says HMS Spey's patrol on Wednesday was part of a long-planned deployment and was in accordance with international law.

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British aircraft carrier strike Group enters Pacific

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.

U.K. Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales Arrives in Singapore

Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09), flagship of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG), docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore, on this week for its first Indo-Pacific port visit for its Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific deployment known as Operation Highmast.
Following its port visit to Singapore, the UKCSG will head straight to Darwin, Australia to participate in multinational exercise Talisman Sabre, which kicks off on July 13 with a number of naval task forces now en route to participate in the drills

Since its departure from the U.K. in late April, the UKCSG operated in the Mediterranean carrying out Nato exercises in the region, which included exercise Mediterranean Strike 25 in the Ionian Sea, conducting dual CSGs operations together with the Italian Navy Cavour CSG. The UKCSG transited the Suez Canal on May 24 and subsequently the Red Sea and then carried out an exercise in the Arabian Sea from June 9-10 with Indian Navy INS Tabar (F44), an Indian Navy submarine and an Indian Navy P-8I Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

The UKCSG currently consists of carrier Prince of Wales, RN destroyer HMS Dauntless (D33), RN frigate HMS Richmond (F239), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate HMCS Ville De Quebec (FFH332), Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) Royal Norwegian Navy (RNN) frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F311), Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Mendez Nunez (F-104) and fleet oiler RFA Tidespring (A136). Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG42) is inbound to Singapore to join the UKCSG. On Monday, in a posting on social media channel X, the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) stated that Sydney together with RN offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey (P234) conducted Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) around the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The U.K. chose to have Prince of Wales docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre instead of Changi Naval Base in order to have the carrier being more visible, accessible and engaging, particularly with the UK and Singapore celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations, stated UK High Commissioner to Singapore Nik Mehta in a press briefing on Thursday, “We could have put the carrier into Changi (Naval Base), and that is what every other country does, but we wanted to do something different, we wanted to make it more accessible, more visible and more engaging,” Mehta said.

The arrival of the carrier on Monday morning was welcomed by Mehta together with U.K. Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Sharon Nesmith and invited guests. In a quick media session, Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UKCSG, stated that the UKCSG expects to depart next week for Australia to participate in Talisman Sabre and following Talisman Sabre, the UKCSG will sail through the Philippine Sea to head to Japan. Blackmore stated that during the passage through the Philippine Sea, the UKCSG will work closely with the U.S. Navy.

The UKCSG is now spread among three nations, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on port visits. Roald Amundsen arrived in Singapore in mid-June and is docked at Changi Naval Base, Dauntless, Tidespring and Te Kaha are docked at Sembawang Port in Singapore, having arrived respectively on Thursday, Sunday and Monday. Ville De Quebec pulled into the Port Klang Cruise Terminal, Malaysia on Monday. UK Defense Adviser Col. Eddie Maskell-Pedersen stated in Thursday’s media briefing that Richmond and Mendez Nunez will call into Indonesia.

Along with the UKCSG, a number of naval forces are heading towards Australia for Talisman Sabre which takes place from July 13 – Aug.4. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) comprising of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD-22), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47) along with the embarked 31sr Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are wrapping up a port visit to Sydney, Australia and expected to make their way north to the waters off Queensland where amphibious drills are carried out. A U.S. CSG normally takes part in the drills but with the rerouting of the Nimitz CSG to the Middle East, it is unclear whether the George Washington CSG, currently in the Philippine Sea and the only U.S. Navy CSG in the region, will take part in the drills.

Two units of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD25) are also heading towards Australia, namely the 2nd Surface Force consisting of landing ship tank JS Osumi (LST-4001) and the Second Surface Force, consisting of destroyer helicopter carrier JS Ise (DDH-182) and destroyer JS Suzunami (DD-114). The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) amphibious assault ship ROKS Marado (LPH-6112) together with embarked Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) and naval special forces, and destroyer ROKS Wang Geon (DDH-978) departed South Korea on Wednesday for the drills. RNZN multirole vessel HMNZS Canterbury (L421), together with embarked New Zealand Army personnel and armored vehicles, left New Zealand on June 6 for the drills.

Originally Posted by S Landreth

docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore,

any update on the Chinkies getting their serfs in Thailand to build a port to link up to the railway as part of their belt and owned project to circumvent Singapore?

I think there was some news in The Nation that said they were going to go ahead with the project

Thailand, soon to be a chinky province

won't be long before a military base appears on sone 2m x 3m rock in the gulf

Here it is: land bridge all news related to