HMS Prince of Wales leads world's biggest naval fleet after Russia's huge drills
A UK aircraft carrier has teamed up with vessels from Japan and the United States to form one of the world's most formidable naval fleets, in response to extensive naval exercises conducted by Russia.
This display of military strength took place in the Northern Philippine Sea as part of Operation Highmast, spearheaded by the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
The eight-month worldwide deployment is designed to enable the Royal Navy to integrate with allied systems and conduct drills across the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions.
Operation Highmast's recent venture comes on the heels of Russia's July Storm exercises, which saw the participation of over 150 ships and 15,000 personnel from various fleets across the globe's seas and oceans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sanctioned July Storm, supervised by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, to assess the readiness of the country's navy. The exercises included practising deployment to potential combat zones, anti-submarine warfare, safeguarding bases and shipping routes, and thwarting attacks from enemy drones and aircraft, reports the Express.
The Queen Elizabeth-class carrier HMS Prince of Wales was accompanied by two US carriers, including the US Nimitz-class supercarrier and Japan's JS Kaga carrier, potentially creating the world's most powerful current operational naval force.
Each carrier vessel was equipped with fighter jets, helicopters and supporting craft, while dozens of combat aircraft soared above the group, which also featured a US Wasp/America-class amphibious assault ship.
The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is set to engage in joint exercises with the US Navy, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Australian Defence Force during Operation Highmast.
A series of port visits and manoeuvres are planned to evaluate the coalition's preparedness for a variety of combat situations, as well as to conduct integrated air operations with 617 Squadron's F-35B Lightning II jets and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
"The significance of this mission and its implications for global security are paramount," declared the Royal Air Force, highlighting the importance of the operation scheduled for June.
"This operation is critical for ensuring a secure future for all NATO members and like-minded global allies. Through collaboration and innovation, the UK and its partners are poised to address future challenges with confidence and resilience."
Just last week, HMS Prince of Wales stocked up on provisions, taking on food, engineering parts, and ammunition for the first time since it left the UK in April.
In military terms, known as Replenishment at Sea (RAS), the flagship carrier was "resupplied with fuel by Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring on her portside and with munitions and provisions by the US Navy's USNS Wally Schirra on the starboard," as reported by the Royal Navy.
As the CSG advances towards Japan, it will navigate through some of the world's most hotly contested waters, showcasing a high-profile commitment to freedom of navigation.
Images shared by the allied nation's Maritime Self-Defense Force depict the carriers and guards of the three nations in formation, with allied aircraft and helicopters populating their decks.
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