The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales has reached full working functionality and is now beneath NATO command, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The transfer marks the primary time a European provider strike group outfitted with fifth era jets has been dedicated to the alliance, in accordance with the Ministry of Defence.
HMS Prince of Wales, working off Naples, is internet hosting each Defence Secretary John Healey and International Secretary Yvette Cooper as they meet their Italian counterparts aboard the provider. The UK says the milestone displays a NATO-first posture in defence planning and a renewed give attention to European safety.
Healey referred to as it “a proud second for Britain” and stated the UK is “stepping up for European safety and delivering on our NATO-first plan.” He added that the provider strike group’s new standing comes at a time when “we’re in a brand new period of menace that calls for a brand new period for defence.”
The MOD says the provider group now offers NATO with a totally built-in drive that includes F-35B jets, airborne surveillance property and supporting warships. The UK characterises the mixed functionality as enhancing the alliance’s readiness and fight energy, with Healey arguing that “our power comes from arduous energy and powerful alliances.”
Cooper framed the shift by way of wider partnerships, saying “the partnerships we construct overseas make us stronger at residence.” She highlighted joint UK–Italian exercise, together with work on next-generation fighter growth and mixed F-35 operations. In keeping with the federal government, UK quick jets have flown greater than 1,000 sorties throughout this yr’s deployment.
The Italian go to follows the provider group’s prolonged Indo-Pacific deployment, the place it undertook workout routines with Australia, Japan and India. Within the Mediterranean, the group will now combine into NATO’s Neptune Strike train, which incorporates sea strike missions, amphibious drills and anti-submarine operations.
The MOD says the provider at the moment embarks the most important variety of UK-owned fifth era jets ever positioned on a single vessel. The deployment has additionally seen greater than 50 uncrewed logistics flights land on the provider, which the federal government presents as a step ahead in integrating drones into routine naval operations.
The strike group will proceed port engagements throughout southern Europe whereas getting ready for NATO tasking by means of the winter.