- Category
- Latest news
HMS Prince of Wales Returns to Mediterranean for Major NATO War Games
- Authors
![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, has returned to the Mediterranean to join NATO’s large-scale exercise Falcon Strike, signalling allied unity after a five-month Indo-Pacific deployment, UK Defence Journal reported on November 5.
The drills, hosted by Italy and involving US and Greek forces, will test joint air-maritime combat operations and strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture across southern Europe, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Defence Minister Al Carns said such missions demonstrate Britain’s readiness to act decisively with partners.
-c3c84e82ac10290cb8a9af723951ff2b.jpg)
“Spending six months away from home, on the far side of the world, ready at a moment’s notice to defend your life and the lives of your fellow shipmates is a big ask for anyone,” he said.
Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty added that the carrier group’s operations “send a clear signal to allies and adversaries alike of our commitment to a safer, more secure region,” according to UK Defence Journal.
Commanded by Commodore James Blackmore, the task force of around 4,000 UK personnel is returning via the Red Sea and Suez Canal after what officials described as one of the UK’s most significant overseas deployments in recent years.
During its Mediterranean phase, the group will visit ports in Greece, Albania, Italy and Spain to deepen defesce and industrial cooperation, UK Defence Journal wrote.
The carrier strike group’s 26,000-nautical-mile mission, involving engagements with 40 nations, shows Britain’s goal of remaining a leading European contributor to NATO operations and high-readiness maritime power projection.
Previously, it was reported that the Royal Navy has begun testing sea drones equipped with FPV drones mounted on board—a concept first developed and successfully implemented by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
-7f54d6f9a1e9b10de9b3e7ee663a18d9.png)
