Latest news with #HMSPrinceofWales


Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
US Allies in Europe Project Aircraft Carrier Power Near China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. European NATO members have projected naval power into the Indo-Pacific through aircraft carrier deployments in recent years, as China—a European Union trading partner and U.S. rival—undergoes a military buildup, challenging Washington and its allies. Experts told Newsweek that by sending their largest and most capable warships, European countries—the United Kingdom, France and Italy—can assist the U.S. in keeping China in check while maintaining a naval presence at home, thereby contributing to Europe's security. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek on Tuesday, "The growing military deployment by countries from outside the region is detrimental to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific." Why It Matters China has built the world's largest navy by hull count—surpassing the U.S. Navy—with more than 370 ships and submarines. In June, the Chinese military—for the first time ever—deployed two aircraft carriers to the broader western Pacific simultaneously, flexing its naval power. The expansion of China's naval presence comes as the U.S. is preoccupied with tensions in the Middle East, prompting the repositioning of a pair of aircraft carriers—USS Carl Vinson and USS Nimitz—earlier this year and leaving a naval power gap in the western Pacific. Meanwhile, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is conducting an eight-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific. As of earlier this month, the Royal Navy warship—carrying stealth fighter jets—was en route to Australia for an exercise before continuing on to Japan. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on June 24. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on June 24. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images European Naval Initiative According to Krzysztof Sliwinski, an associate professor in the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, nine NATO nations established the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative in 2008, seeking to maintain a continuous presence in the Indo-Pacific through sequential deployments of aircraft carriers. In addition to the ongoing deployment of the Prince of Wales, the U.K. sent HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 for a seven-month mission that brought the aircraft carrier and its strike group—including a destroyer and fighter jets deployed by the U.S.—to the Indo-Pacific. In April, the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle concluded a five-month Indo-Pacific mission. During its deployment, it linked up with aircraft carriers from the U.S. and Japanese navies in the broader western Pacific east of the Philippines. ITS Cavour, an Italian aircraft carrier, also led a strike group last year for a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific—a region outside the Italian navy's traditional area of responsibility. In this photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on February 13, United States aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, front; Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga, middle; and French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle... In this photo provided by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on February 13, United States aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, front; Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga, middle; and French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle sail in formation in the Philippine Sea during Exercise Pacific Steller. More Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rationales for Deployments Sidharth Kaushal, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., told Newsweek that the role of European aircraft carrier deployments is more diplomatic and strategic than strictly military—signaling, among other things, national commitments to engaging with regional partners and to principles such as freedom of navigation. Naval presence operations are designed to shape the perceptions and behavior of potential adversaries, said Emma Salisbury, a researcher at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., by helping to deter aggression and demonstrate resolve without resorting to conflict. The presence of the British aircraft carrier group in the Indo-Pacific "reflects not only a projection of military power and operational reach but also a commitment to international partnerships, regional stability, and the rules-based international order," Salisbury said. Trade is another factor behind British and Italian naval deployments, Sliwinski said. A significant portion of British trade with Asia depends on maritime routes that pass through Indo-Pacific choke points, while Italy—an advocate for a stable global order—also benefits from trade in the region, as its export-driven economy relies heavily on open sea lanes. The Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour arriving at Naval Base Guam for a logistic stop on August 11, 2024, before proceeding to Japan. The Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour arriving at Naval Base Guam for a logistic stop on August 11, 2024, before proceeding to Japan. U.S. Navy With Pacific territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia, France seeks to safeguard its maritime interests and mitigate what Sliwinski described as the "negative impacts" of China's growing economic, political and military presence in the region. Confronting China's Threat China's growing naval activities come as the East Asian power and its neighbors remain involved in territorial disputes over contested waters—including the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea—which frequently lead to standoffs and clashes. Citing tensions across the Indo-Pacific—Washington's priority theater—U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously warned that China was increasingly willing to resort to force and called for enhanced joint defense cooperation to deter Chinese aggression. Aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific show European countries taking on a "shared strategic responsibility," Sliwinski said, which enables the U.S. to allocate its resources on other vital areas while European naval forces help ensure regional stability. The deployment of multiple allied aircraft carriers amplifies deterrence against potential Chinese hostilities, he said. "A collective display of naval strength complicates China's ability to act aggressively, as it would encounter a unified response from various countries." "Exercises conducted during these deployments provide the practical experience and shared procedures necessary to improve joint operational effectiveness," Salisbury said, which ensures that allied forces are better prepared to respond to security challenges. This photo released by the Xinhua News Agency shows Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, right, and CNS Shandong carrying out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea... This photo released by the Xinhua News Agency shows Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, right, and CNS Shandong carrying out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea in October 2024. More Chen Mengxi/Xinhua via AP However, Kaushal said European aircraft carriers played a largely "supporting role" in the western Pacific, as they had limited direct combat utility in the region—where they lacked the munitions and local logistics needed to operate near China, which he described as having "the world's most sophisticated anti-access/area denial bubble." According to the Pentagon, anti-access prevents an advancing enemy force from entering an operational area, while area denial restricts an enemy's freedom of action within that area. Balancing Commitments While Europe projects its naval power well beyond its region, the Trump administration is calling on NATO allies to take greater responsibility for European security as Washington refocuses its attention toward the Indo-Pacific, signaling a potential retreat from Europe. Given the pressing and ongoing need to deter and monitor Russia's navy, it would be understandable to assume that aircraft carrier deployments in the Indo-Pacific might be deprioritized, Salisbury said. However, the U.K.'s continued commitment to such missions underscores the importance it places on its role in supporting global security. "Since carrier deployments to the Pacific are a diplomatic instrument rather than the markers of a military commitment, they do not necessarily commit resources which would be needed in a European contingency to being employed against [China] in Asia," Kaushal said. Sliwinski said the U.K., France and Italy had allocated naval assets to Europe while also focusing on the Indo-Pacific—including addressing threats in the North Sea and the Mediterranean and supporting NATO's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe. This photo provided by the Royal Navy on July 8 shows the British frigate HMS Iron Duke, front, monitoring a Russian warship, back, in the English Channel. This photo provided by the Royal Navy on July 8 shows the British frigate HMS Iron Duke, front, monitoring a Russian warship, back, in the English Channel. Royal Navy What People Are Saying Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China's Embassy in Washington, D.C., said: "Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and zero-sum thinking are out of touch with the times and lead nowhere. … China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests and will continue to contribute to regional peace and stability through concrete actions." Sidharth Kaushal, a senior research fellow for sea power at the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K., said: "These deployments entail costs both financially and in terms of vessel and crew readiness, and their utility will have to be weighed against these costs as Europe takes on a greater share of its own defensive burdens." Emma Salisbury, a sea power research fellow at the Council on Geostrategy in the U.K., said: "The deployment of British and European allied carrier strike groups to the Indo-Pacific, rather than limiting engagement to smaller-scale missions, represents a deliberate and symbolically significant strategic choice." Krzysztof Sliwinski, an associate professor in the Department of Government and International Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, said: "European carriers play a crucial role in maintaining open access to international waters, particularly in disputed regions such as the South China Sea. This effort challenges China's broad maritime claims and supports essential global trade routes that are important to both the U.S. and Europe." What Happens Next It remains to be seen which European aircraft carrier will be dispatched next for an Indo-Pacific mission following the conclusion of the Prince of Wales' deployment.


The Diplomat
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Diplomat
UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales to Make First Port Call in Japan
The HMS Prince of Wales may conduct 'cross-deck drills' with JS Kaga using aircraft carrier-based F-35Bs. If realized, it would send a strong message to China F-35 test pilot Marine Maj. Paul Gucwa from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), flies an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft to the U.K. HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Western Atlantic Oct. 11, 2023. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced that the United Kingdom's carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, will make its first port call in Japan from August to September this year. The deployment of a British aircraft carrier strike group to Japan will be the second time following the port call by HMS Queen Elizabeth and the escort vessels in September 2021, according to the ministry. Tokyo welcomes the port call as a demonstration of the U.K.'s commitment to regional peace and stability amid an increasingly severe and uncertain security environment surrounding Japan, the Japanese defense ministry said in a press release on June 25. The port call 'will also contribute to further strengthening Japan's security and Japan-U.K. security and defense cooperation,' it added. One area of interest during the upcoming port call is whether F-35B stealth fighter jets carried by the Prince of Wales will conduct 'cross-deck drills' in which they land and take off from the deck of JS Kaga (DDH 184), the second Izumo-class helicopter carrier (locally classified as 'helicopter destroyer') of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). So far, no British F-35B has ever landed or taken off from JS Izumo or JS Kaga before. If a British F-35B were to do so from the deck of the JS Kaga, it would send a strong message to the world, especially an assertive China, that Japan's relationship with the U.K., which is widely regarded as a 'quasi-ally,' is truly being strengthened. The Diplomat asked Admiral Saito Akira, chief of staff of the JMSDF, about this point at his regular press conference on July 8. Japan's top naval officer responded: 'We are currently considering the details of what kind of joint training we should conduct with the Royal Navy. As Takahashi-san said, if the F-35B is able to cross-deck drills with the Kaga, it will be an extremely powerful message, and I think it will be an opportunity for us to absorb know-how, including the operation of the F-35, from the Royal Navy, which has been operating aircraft carriers for many years. We are currently making adjustments, including this menu, but have not yet reached a final decision.' Saito did not deny the possibility of 'cross-deck drills.' Meanwhile, Commodore James Blackmore, commander of United Kingdom carrier strike group, expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with the JSDF, saying that they will have personnel from the JMSDF and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force board the aircraft carrier and train together, according to an article published by the Yomiuri Shimbun on April 23. Blackmore spoke on April 16, before the HMS Prince of Wales departed Portsmouth in the south of England, the Japanese newspaper said. The U.K. commander also expressed his hope for the realization of joint training with the JS Kaga, which is being upgraded as a light aircraft carrier in preparation for the deployment of the F-35B, the newspaper also said. When the HMS Queen Elizabeth was dispatched to Japan in September 2021, no joint training of this nature was conducted. The JS Izumo conducted takeoff and landing tests of the U.S. military's F-35B in October 2021. Following that, the JS Kaga also conducted takeoff and landing tests of the U.S. military's F-35B in October 2024. Steady steps are being taken toward converting the two Izumo-class destroyers into light aircraft carriers. Notably, the U.S. F-35B landed aboard JS Kaga for the first time on October 20, 2024, off the southern coast of California and was piloted by Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nick Baker, a test pilot with the F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force (Pax ITF) in the U.S. state of Maryland. The Japanese Ministry of Defense will begin deploying its own F-35Bs to the Nyutabaru Air Base of the JASDF in Miyazaki Prefecture in fiscal year 2025. The plan is to deploy a total of 42 aircraft in the future. Following the JS Kaga, the JS Izumo is currently undergoing major modifications to turn it into a light aircraft carrier at Japan Marine United's (JMU) Isogo Works, a shipyard in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. China is rapidly expanding its maritime presence using aircraft carriers. China's two operational aircraft carriers, Liaonging and Shandong, conducted a total of about 1,120 takeoffs and landings of fighter jets during most recent sailings that have seen the Chinese Navy expand increasingly farther into the Pacific Ocean, a spokesperson at the Joint Staff Office of the Japanese Defense Ministry told The Diplomat on June 24. Specifically, the spokesperson said those Chinese aircraft carriers had conducted the flight operations in the Pacific Ocean near Japan through June 22 after being tracked by the JMSDF from late May.


News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
UK's F-35B Jet, Stranded At Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Likely To Fly Home Next Week: Report
Last Updated: The British F-35B fighter jet stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram airport is expected to be repaired and flown back to the UK by next week, a report has claimed. The British F-35B fighter jet, which has been stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for nearly a month, is expected to fly back to the United Kingdom as early as next week. The Associated Press quoted Indian officials as saying that engineers hope to repair the plane in the next few days before it can fly back to the UK sometime next week. The report also claimed that the British High Commission has confirmed that a UK engineering team has been deployed to assess and repair the aircraft. On July 6, the British Royal Navy fighter jet was moved to a designated facility for British engineers to assess it. The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14. It remained grounded at the airport since then, awaiting repairs after developing a technical fault. News agency PTI quoted a spokesperson as saying that the UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility of the airport, and is in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. Earlier this month, sources told CNN-News18 that the aircraft could not be repaired at the location and that it would be dismantled. Sources also said the British Navy will now bring a bigger aircraft to shift the jet, and that they would pay all dues to India, including the parking and hangar charges. The UK aircraft was unable to return to the UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. While on the ground, the aircraft developed an engineering issue that precluded its return to the Carrier. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the situation and determined that assistance from a UK-based engineering team was required. view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 08:39 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
RAF's most advanced jet a ‘disappointing return' on £11 billion cost, NAO says
The F-35 Lightning stealth jet used by the RAF and on the Royal Navy's carriers is 'significantly superior' to all previous UK aircraft, the National Audit Office said. But the capability achieved from the £11 billion spent so far on the project is a 'disappointing return' compared with the original plans set by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). An F-35 fighter on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) The F-35 is a largely US project, although around 15% by value of each aircraft is manufactured in the UK, generating around £22 billion in contracts for British firms. The report said that 'due to failings of both the MoD and the global programme, the level of overall UK F-35 capability is currently lower than the MoD intended it would be by now at the time of its 2013 business case, and will be for several years'. The NAO said: 'In our view, the capability achieved for the estimated £11 billion spent to date is a disappointing return so far compared with MoD plans, even if other programme benefits have been significant'. As of June 2025, the UK had 37 F-35B aircraft in service out of an eventual planned total of 138, with the jets expected to remain in service until 2069 at a £71 billion whole-life cost, according to NAO estimates. But in 2024, the NAO said the 'mission capable rate' – the ability of an aircraft to perform at least one of its seven possible required missions – was approximately half the MoD's target. The 'full mission capable rate' – an aircraft's ability to carry out all its required missions – was only around a third of the target. The NAO said it was not disclosing the actual figures on national security grounds. The MoD has not been able to sustainably deliver its targets for aircraft availability, resulting in flying hours below the requirement for pilots. 'The MoD's short-term affordability decisions and serious global programme delays have hindered the delivery of aircraft and other supporting capability', the report said. There are 'major personnel shortages' across the F-35 force and 'serious gaps' in engineering roles. An F-35 fighter hovers over the deck of HMS Prince of Wales (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) The report said delivery of the first phase of 48 aircraft, due by the end of April 2026, was behind schedule partly for financial reasons and partly because of global programme delays. The UK operates the F-35B variant of the jet which can fly from the two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, but it has set out plans to order 12 F-35As which can carry nuclear weapons but cannot operate from the warships. An MoD spokesman said: 'The National Audit Office's report rightly recognises the world-class capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet, as well as its significant economic benefits – including £22 billion of work for UK companies, creating thousands of jobs. 'The programme continues to operate within its approved budget and the UK will have two full squadrons of F-35 fighter jets ready for deployment by the end of this year. 'We also recently announced we will purchase 12 F-35As, supporting 20,000 jobs in the UK, and join Nato's dual capable aircraft nuclear mission.'

South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
RAF's most advanced jet a ‘disappointing return' on £11 billion cost, NAO says
The F-35 Lightning stealth jet used by the RAF and on the Royal Navy's carriers is 'significantly superior' to all previous UK aircraft, the National Audit Office said. But the capability achieved from the £11 billion spent so far on the project is a 'disappointing return' compared with the original plans set by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). An F-35 fighter on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) The F-35 is a largely US project, although around 15% by value of each aircraft is manufactured in the UK, generating around £22 billion in contracts for British firms. The report said that 'due to failings of both the MoD and the global programme, the level of overall UK F-35 capability is currently lower than the MoD intended it would be by now at the time of its 2013 business case, and will be for several years'. The NAO said: 'In our view, the capability achieved for the estimated £11 billion spent to date is a disappointing return so far compared with MoD plans, even if other programme benefits have been significant'. As of June 2025, the UK had 37 F-35B aircraft in service out of an eventual planned total of 138, with the jets expected to remain in service until 2069 at a £71 billion whole-life cost, according to NAO estimates. But in 2024, the NAO said the 'mission capable rate' – the ability of an aircraft to perform at least one of its seven possible required missions – was approximately half the MoD's target. The 'full mission capable rate' – an aircraft's ability to carry out all its required missions – was only around a third of the target. The NAO said it was not disclosing the actual figures on national security grounds. The MoD has not been able to sustainably deliver its targets for aircraft availability, resulting in flying hours below the requirement for pilots. 'The MoD's short-term affordability decisions and serious global programme delays have hindered the delivery of aircraft and other supporting capability', the report said. There are 'major personnel shortages' across the F-35 force and 'serious gaps' in engineering roles. An F-35 fighter hovers over the deck of HMS Prince of Wales (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) The report said delivery of the first phase of 48 aircraft, due by the end of April 2026, was behind schedule partly for financial reasons and partly because of global programme delays. The UK operates the F-35B variant of the jet which can fly from the two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, but it has set out plans to order 12 F-35As which can carry nuclear weapons but cannot operate from the warships. An MoD spokesman said: 'The National Audit Office's report rightly recognises the world-class capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet, as well as its significant economic benefits – including £22 billion of work for UK companies, creating thousands of jobs. 'The programme continues to operate within its approved budget and the UK will have two full squadrons of F-35 fighter jets ready for deployment by the end of this year. 'We also recently announced we will purchase 12 F-35As, supporting 20,000 jobs in the UK, and join Nato's dual capable aircraft nuclear mission.'