Royal Navy carrier enters NATO control as Europe strengthens defences against Russia
The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales has been placed under NATO command, marking a major show of force against Vladimir Putin as Europe bolsters its defenses against Russia
The Royal Navy’s iconic aircraft carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales, has been placed under NATO control; making alliance history.
The huge 280-meter-long aircraft carrier had been deployed to the Mediterranean for an alliance training program. It carries 24 British F-35 jets and was heading to Italy for ’Exercise Falcon Strike’; a large-scale air and maritime NATO exercise.
It marks the first time NATO would have a carrier strike group in its command, which includes the HMS Prince of Wales, its support ships, and an advanced fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
It marks a major show of force against Vladimir Putin, and boosting Europe’s defense against Russia would be at the heart of talks between Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Defense Secretary John Healey, and their Italian counterparts on Monday.
The British Government contingent would be hosting Italian defense minister Guido Crosetto and foreign minister Antonio Tajani onboard HMS Prince of Wales as it sits off the coast of Naples.
The UK’s F-35 jets have already been taking part in a joint exercise with Italian jets.
Mr. Healey insisted that placing the carrier strike group under NATO command was an example of the UK’s "NATO-first" plan, set out in the Strategic Defense Review earlier this year.
That plan called for the UK to move towards being ready to fight a war and center its preparations in Europe, focusing on arming the Western alliance’s joint forces.
The Defense Secretary added: "We are in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defense. Our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances, so it is fitting to mark this moment alongside one of our closest NATO allies in Italy.
"Their F-35s have been operating from the carrier to demonstrate the deep partnership between our militaries."
The UK carrier strike group will later take part in a major NATO exercise called Neptune Strike, testing the alliance’s ability to strike targets at sea, as well as to launch jets from aircraft carriers and make amphibious landings.
Foreign Secretary Ms. Cooper said, "partnerships we build abroad make us stronger at home".
She added: "With Italy, we are developing the fighter jets of the future, supporting thousands of British jobs, and delivering security for NATO in the Mediterranean and across Europe.
"These joint exercises in the Bay of Naples are the clearest demonstration of how the UK is working with our allies to keep our continent safe, deter our adversaries, and enhance our ability to respond together to emerging threats."
The carrier strike group’s return to the Mediterranean follows five months in the Indo-Pacific.
There it took part in drills with allies including Japan, Australia, and India.
As well as Italy, its latest tour will see British forces work alongside those from Greece, Albania, and Spain.
Technology & Business Editor
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