Royal Navy carrier HMS Prince of Wales deploys for second phase of Operation Firecrest

Over the weekend, the Royal Navy announced that its flagship aircraft carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales, has departed for a deployment alongside NATO allies to the North Atlantic and High Arctic. The carrier strike group is operating under NATO command.

The carrier strike group includes the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, while its aircraft complement is composed of F-35B fighter jets, Merlin Mk4 Commando and Mk2 Anti-submarine helicopters, Wildcat helicopters, and Malloy drones.

More than 1,200 British personnel are to be deployed with the strike group, and these will be working with Norway, Denmark, Germany, and others on “operations designed to test and strengthen NATO interoperability.”

The Royal Navy did not mention a Type 23 frigate or attack submarine in the carrier strike group, although allied nations are to add escorts later on.

Second phase of Operation Firecrest

HMS Prince of Wales departed Portsmouth Naval Base on Sunday as part of the second phase of Operation Firecrest. Operation Firecrest focuses on operational readiness, training, and strengthening the alliance’s interoperability.

Phase one lasted from April to late July 2026. The carrier group included the HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Duncan, and RFA Tidespring. HMS Dauntless replaces HMS Duncan, which took part in the first phase.

The Royal Navy’s other aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has not taken part in Operation Firecrest and called into Belfast in a historic visit as part of a separate mission.

The group is commanded by Commodore Richard Hewitt, who said, “I am delighted to return to the Arctic and North Atlantic as we build on the successes of the first phase of Op Firecrest.”

Focus on reinforcing security in the north with allies

During her deployment, the HMS Prince of Wales will host gatherings of military and political leaders in Oslo. Meetings are to focus on the collective security of Northern Europe. The Royal Navy claims the carrier will ensure the security of the critical energy, trade, and communication links the nation depends on.

The deployment allows the Royal Navy to respond to challenges in the North Atlantic while also taking part in the alliance’s Neptune Strike series of exercises.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, stated that the deployment “is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the Alliance and contribution to the enduring security and stability of the North Atlantic.”

Echoing the deteriorating security in Europe, the Royal Navy’s announcement noted that the UK is the only European NATO member that has committed its nuclear deterrent in full to the Alliance, adding that it will purchase F-35As as dual-capable aircraft able to deliver nuclear weapons. France is the only other nuclear-armed European NATO country.