Britain’s biggest warship sets sail for the Arctic in latest NATO show of strength

Britain’s biggest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, has departed Portsmouth Naval Base in Hampshire to lead the UK Carrier Strike Group on a deployment to the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The aircraft carrier left on Sunday, with dozens of people gathering to wave and take pictures as the warship made its way out of the harbour.

The deployment marks the second phase of Operation Firecrest, which will focus on operational readiness, training, and strengthening Nato interoperability.

The Royal Navy said stealth fighter jets would return to the skies in the High North.

It said deployment of the flagship aircraft carrier alongside Nato allies “is a powerful shield for the nation, ensuring that the critical energy, trade, and communication links we all rely on every day in the region remain secure”.

HMS Prince of Wales is accompanied by Type-45 destroyer HMS Dauntless.

The carrier has embarked with an air group comprising fifth-generation F-35 Jets, Merlin Mk4 Commando and Mk2 Anti-submarine helicopters, Wildcat helicopters and Malloy drones, the Royal Navy said.

More than 1,200 British personnel are deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group.

They are working closely with allies including Norway, Denmark and Germany on operations designed to test and strengthen Nato interoperability, the Royal Navy added.

HMS Prince of Wales will be joined by HMS Dauntless and the staff of UK Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Commodore Richard Hewitt.

He said: “I am delighted to return to the Arctic and North Atlantic as we build on the successes of the first phase of Operation Firecrest.

“Led by the UK Flagship HMS Prince of Wales, the strike group will bring together a range of assets and capabilities, while taking every opportunity to train, operate and integrate with our Nato allies and partners.”

As part of the deployment, HMS Prince of Wales will host gatherings of military and political leaders in Oslo focused on the collective security of Northern Europe.

The Atlantic Future Forum and the International Sea Power Conference will bring together defence leaders, industry and policymakers to discuss the future of Euro-Atlantic security.

Earlier this year, former chief of the Royal Navy Lord West of Spithead told the Press Association news agency: “The bottom line is the Navy’s in a more parlous state than at any stage in the 60 years I’ve been on the active list.

“It’s too small, it’s not been looked after properly, there’s been insufficient (funds) spent on it, and I’m afraid it doesn’t deliver what the nation needs.”

Armed forces minister Louise Sandher-Jones said: “The deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales and her air wing to the High North and the North Atlantic, operating under Nato leadership, is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the alliance and contribution to the enduring security and stability of the North Atlantic.”

The focus of phase 2 of Operation Firecrest is “maintaining operational readiness, strengthening interoperability and ensuring the Carrier Strike Group are prepared to respond to the challenges of an increasingly important region”, the Royal Navy said.