The Royal Navy's flagship HMS Prince of Wales has embarked on a significant eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific, marking a pivotal moment in the UK's military strategy. Departing from Portsmouth on April 22, 2025, the £3 billion aircraft carrier leads a multinational Carrier Strike Group (CSG) aimed at reinforcing the UK's commitment to global security and stability.
This operation, dubbed Operation Highmast, involves a formidable task force comprising approximately 2,500 personnel from the Royal Navy, 592 from the Royal Air Force, and around 900 from the British Army. As many as 4,500 military personnel will participate in exercises throughout the deployment, which will include collaboration with forces from 12 other nations, including Norway, Canada, and Spain.
Commodore James Blackmore, the commander of the CSG, emphasized the operation's dual purpose: to support key trade routes from the Indo-Pacific to the UK and to demonstrate the UK's naval and air power. “It’s about supporting key trade routes that exist from the Indo-Pacific region to the UK, and supporting partners and allies in the region, showing that we are there as a capable and credible force should it be required,” he stated. He further noted that Operation Highmast will showcase credible deterrence and bolster NATO's presence in the region.
The CSG's first major engagement will involve joining a NATO exercise off the coast of France, where the group will test aerial defenses before proceeding to the Mediterranean. The deployment will see the task group operating in key regions, including the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia.
Onboard HMS Prince of Wales will be a robust array of military assets, including up to 24 Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning fighter jets, Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters, Merlin Mk4 Commando helicopters, Wildcats, and T-150 Malloy and Puma drones. This diverse fleet aims to demonstrate the UK's capability to operate fast jets at sea and conduct large-scale military operations.
Defence Secretary John Healey described the deployment as an “immensely complex operation” that sends a powerful message of deterrence to any adversary. He highlighted the unique opportunity for the UK to operate closely with international partners, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to security and stability while also potentially boosting the UK economy through trade.
As the HMS Prince of Wales sailed past the Isle of Wight, thousands of well-wishers gathered along the waterfront to bid farewell to the crew. The sight of the 65,000-tonne carrier, which is roughly the size of three football pitches, was met with cheers and waving flags from the crowds. Able Seaman James South expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension, noting, “It's the first very long deployment away from home for me, so I'm curious to see what that brings.”
Captain Will Blackett, commanding officer of HMS Prince of Wales, reflected on the significance of the deployment, stating, “I am incredibly proud of my team, and the broader support enterprise, who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this historic deployment. We will deliver this mission together and look forward to reuniting when the job is done.”
The deployment also serves as a crucial opportunity for the UK to engage in trade events during port calls, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where nearly 20% of UK trade, valued at £286 billion, passes through. This aspect of Operation Highmast highlights the strategic importance of the region not only for military operations but also for economic relations.
With the ongoing global tensions, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances is vital. Commodore Blackmore noted the flexibility of the operation, saying, “Agility allows me at any moment to undertake other operations if called upon.”
The HMS Prince of Wales is not only a symbol of military might but also represents the UK's broader defense ambitions on the world stage. As the ship embarks on this mission, it underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges and maintaining stability in critical regions.
As the Carrier Strike Group sets forth, it carries with it the hopes and support of the nation, standing ready to respond to any threats while promoting peace and stability across the globe. This deployment marks a significant chapter in the Royal Navy's history and reaffirms the UK's position as a leading maritime power.
