Royal Navy's Flagship Embarks on New Chapter in Indian Ocean Operations

Image Credits: Royal Navy

A recent publication by the Royal Navy reveals that the HMS Prince of Wales, an aircraft carrier, has made its way into the indian Ocean. This marks a meaningful milestone in its global military mission following a triumphant journey through both the Suez Canal and Red Sea.

The carrier is not alone; it’s part of a robust task force known as the UK Carrier Strike Group, which includes British ships like HMS Dauntless and HMS Richmond.additionally, international partners are represented with vessels such as Norway’s HNoMS Roald Amundsen, Spain’s ESPS Méndez Núñez, and Canada’s HMCS Ville de Québec.

This journey is notably noteworthy as it’s the first time HMS Prince of Wales has ventured this far east. The flight deck was bustling with F-35B stealth fighters alongside Merlin and Wildcat helicopters during their passage.

Last week saw them navigate through the Suez Canal from Mediterranean waters to those of the Red sea, flanked by Egypt’s arid landscapes. They passed iconic landmarks like the Canal Memorial from earlier decades and Al Salam Bridge—also referred to as Friendship or Peace Bridge—which spans 1,325 feet over the canal at an remarkable height of 230 feet above water level.

Completing this crossing signifies not just a geographical shift but also wraps up phase one of an eight-month mission for HMS Prince of Wales that included various exercises in both Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.

One standout moment from this initial phase was a collaborative exercise with Italy’s Carrier Strike Group. Defense sources indicate that this operation united around 21 warships along with three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, ten patrol aircrafts—all manned by approximately 8,000 military personnel—taking place in Ionian Sea waters.

Currently dubbed Operation Highmast, this deployment led by HMS Prince of Wales involves forces from about twelve nations. The mission will guide this UK-led group across western Pacific territories after traversing through Mediterranean regions and parts of the Middle East.

Officials have emphasized that key goals for this operation include bolstering long-term security commitments in both Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific areas while enhancing collaboration among allies and promoting British trade on an international scale.

Throughout this extensive deployment period ahead,more than 4,500 military personnel are expected to be involved—comprising nearly 2,500 Royal Navy sailors along with royal Marines; around 600 members from Royal Air Force; plus about 900 soldiers contributing to these efforts.

Reference: Royal Navy