Global Deployment for UK Carrier Strike Group in 2025, the First Since Falklands War

A Royal Navy task group centered on HMS Prince of Wales is preparing in the North Sea for a global deployment in 2025, marking the first mission of its kind since the Falklands War and following the Royal Navy's last major deployment with HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021.

The UK Carrier Strike Group has assembled off the coast of Scotland for Exercise Strike Warrior, a series of military drills designed to confirm the operational readiness of the task force. This deployment will involve British warships, support vessels, and F-35B Lightning jets, aiming to operate across diverse maritime environments.

Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, is leading the exercise from HMS Prince of Wales. He emphasized the importance of this training, stating, “This exercise is important because it will validate my team as a 'Very High Readiness' force, which means we can be ready to command a fleet with a few days’ notice.”

The task group includes various naval assets, such as frigates, destroyers, submarines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers, and helicopters, all working together to enhance their operational capabilities. Throughout the exercise, HMS Portland will serve as a submarine hunter, while Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless will provide air defense with advanced radar and missile systems.

Over the next two weeks, the task group will face a series of intense warfare scenarios, testing their ability to protect HMS Prince of Wales and conduct flying operations with F-35B jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron. This deployment marks a crucial milestone for 809 NAS, as it returns to sea following its establishment last year.

The UK Carrier Strike Group will also collaborate with NATO warships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, testing tactics across a range of scenarios, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and pilot rescues.