In a bold demonstration of Britain’s global ambitions and defense capabilities, Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG 25), led by HMS Prince of Wales, departed on April 22 to begin Operation Highmast—a high-profile deployment through some of the world’s most volatile and strategically vital waters. This marks the United Kingdom’s largest carrier air wing deployment in decades and its most substantial show of force in the Indo-Pacific since 2021’s Operation Fortis.
At the center of the deployment is the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. Designed as a versatile, modern platform capable of projecting power, coordinating with allies, and deterring adversaries, the carrier now serves as the cornerstone of Britain’s forward military presence.
For the first time, all embarked F-35B Lightning II aircraft are UK-owned and operated, comprising personnel from 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). A total of 18 F-35Bs have been deployed initially, with plans to increase to 24 later—tripling the number seen on past missions. This force represents the largest British carrier-based air wing in modern times.
The F-35Bs will be backed by an extensive rotary wing presence, including Merlin HM2 helicopters from RNAS Culdrose for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), AEW-configured Merlins using the Crowsnest system, Merlin HC4s from Yeovilton for utility roles, and Wildcat HMA2s armed with Sea Venom and Martlet missiles to counter surface threats.
In a significant first, unmanned aerial systems will support logistics and surveillance. 700X NAS is deploying with nine Malloy T-150 drones, capable of ferrying small payloads between ships—reducing the need for traditional helicopter sorties. The RQ-20 Puma fixed-wing UAVs will also provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), marking a new chapter in Royal Navy operations.
HMS Prince of Wales and its supporting strike group will operate as far afield as Japan and Australia, participating in multinational exercises and bolstering partnerships, particularly through the AUKUS alliance. One major highlight of the deployment will be Exercise Talisman Sabre in July, where UK forces will train with Australian and U.S. counterparts.
UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey emphasized the mission’s significance, calling it “a unique opportunity to demonstrate coordination with our allies,” and stressing its dual purpose: military deterrence and soft power projection. The carrier will act as a floating embassy in addition to its role as a floating airbase.
As with 2021’s deployment, there is potential for real-world combat operations during the group’s passage through the Middle East. In 2021, UK jets supported strikes against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. In 2025, attention is likely to turn to Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have already demonstrated their capability with one-way attack UAVs and ballistic missile strikes in the Red Sea.
While RAF Typhoons from Akrotiri continue to contribute to regional operations, they are constrained by range and numbers. The carrier group brings not just reach, but endurance and versatility, especially with tanker support from the co-located RAF Voyager fleet.
Ensuring the safety of a 65,000-ton aircraft carrier across high-threat areas is no small feat. CSG 25 is supported by a formidable fleet of escorts:
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HMS Richmond (F239): A Type 23 frigate specializing in ASW, equipped with Sea Ceptor missiles, Naval Strike Missiles, and the upgraded Link 16 datalink system.
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HMS Dauntless (D33): A Type 45 destroyer leading area air defense with the Sea Viper system, consisting of Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, proven in recent Red Sea engagements.
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HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH 332): A Canadian Halifax-class frigate outfitted with ESSMs, Harpoon missiles, and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.
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ESPS Méndez Núñez (F-104): Spain’s AEGIS-capable air defense frigate, joining the group in the Mediterranean with 48 VLS cells housing SM-2 and ESSM missiles.
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HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F311): A Norwegian frigate equipped with ESSM, Naval Strike Missiles, and a Wildcat helicopter operated by Royal Navy personnel.
The silent hunter in the group is likely the Astute-class SSN, presumed to be HMS Astute, which departed HMNB Devonport the day before deployment began. While the UK MoD does not comment on submarine movements, circumstantial evidence points to its integration within CSG 25.
Sustaining such a complex operation across vast distances requires top-tier logistics. RFA Tidespring and HNoMS Maud will provide fuel and stores. Maud effectively replaces the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s dedicated solid stores ship, while Tidespring already embarked a Merlin HM2 from 814 NAS for ASW coverage.
RFA Argus, which has been upgraded as an interim littoral strike vessel, is due to join later in the deployment. Though approaching retirement, Argus remains invaluable, especially in its secondary role as a casualty receiving ship.
Behind the scenes, the Royal Air Force will play a crucial role. During Operation Fortis in 2021, RAF Voyagers alone flew over 220 hours, moving 1,700 personnel and transferring 180 tonnes of fuel. For Highmast, the air bridge will involve Voyagers, A400M Atlas, and C-17 Globemasters moving supplies, parts, and personnel between key allied ports.
It’s also possible that RAF Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft will stage forward from regional bases to assist in ASW tasks and surface surveillance, offering another layer of security to the task group.
As the group sails through regions like the South China Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, geopolitical tensions and potential encounters with the People’s Liberation Army Navy are inevitable. Chinese vessels, submarines, and surveillance aircraft are expected to tail and monitor the group’s movements. Escort ships and embarked helicopters will take on the burden of sanitizing operational areas for the carrier and maintaining safe navigation.
The strategic messaging embedded in these operations is deliberate. The Royal Navy’s ability to place an advanced strike group in contested waters alongside allies signals that the UK is not retreating from global affairs but actively reinforcing the rules-based international order.
Operation Highmast is not just a test of endurance, firepower, or interoperability. It’s a statement. For Britain, it reaffirms its Global Britain narrative—one that’s taken hits in recent years but remains core to its strategic posture. For allies like the U.S., Australia, and Japan, it’s reassurance. For adversaries and gray zone actors, it’s a reminder: the UK may be an island, but it is not isolated.
As Commodore James Blackmore puts it, Operation Highmast is about “credible deterrence.” But it’s also about presence, partnership, and purpose.
At a Glance: Carrier Strike Group 25 – Operation Highmast
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Flagship: HMS Prince of Wales
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Fighter Jets: 18 F-35B Lightning IIs (planned 24)
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Helicopters: Merlin HM2/HC4, Wildcat HMA2
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Drones: Malloy T-150, RQ-20 Puma
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Major Exercises: Talisman Sabre (Australia, July)
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Key Regions: Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, Indo-Pacific
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Personnel: 2,500 core, up to 4,500 during exercises
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Allies Involved: Norway, Canada, Spain, Australia, Japan, U.S.
As the propellers churn and flight decks heat up, CSG 25 sails not just into new waters—but into history.
