Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Joins Pacific Drill with Allies

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In a clear show of strength and unity, two of the world’s most powerful aircraft carriers, the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales and the United States Navy’s USS George Washington, came together in the Pacific Ocean for a major multinational military exercise. The operation is part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, a large-scale training initiative led by Australia and the United States, designed to enhance defence cooperation across allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

This year’s drills involve around 35,000 military personnel from 19 countries. The HMS Prince of Wales and USS George Washington operated in close coordination, conducting joint air manoeuvres with F-35B Lightning II fighter jets and embarked helicopters. They were supported at sea by escort vessels from Canada, Norway, and the United States, forming a strong and united front in international waters.

Joint Operations

The United Kingdom’s contribution is led by Carrier Strike Group 25, a powerful formation that includes HMS Prince of Wales, the frigate HMS Richmond, the destroyer HMS Dauntless, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tidespring. The task group demonstrates the UK’s capability to project naval power far from home, operating with precision and endurance in critical regions of global interest.

On land, British Army units and Royal Navy personnel are engaged in joint amphibious and ground operations with their counterparts from other allied forces. This integrated approach underscores the growing need for interoperability in complex military environments. Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, including the Voyager, also contribute to the wider exercise, supporting air mobility and mission effectiveness through refuelling operations.

The participation of the HMS Prince of Wales in Talisman Sabre 25 is part of Operation Highmast, a broader British effort to establish a firmer defence footprint in the Indo-Pacific. The Royal Navy’s flagship is a central asset in this strategy. At 284 metres in length and weighing over 65,000 tonnes, the ship is among the largest in British naval history. It is equipped to support up to 48 F-35B jets and several helicopters, with onboard infrastructure enabling large-scale air and amphibious operations.

The carrier is designed for short takeoff and vertical landing operations and is equipped with advanced radar and defensive systems, making it a vital element in both combat readiness and international engagement. The ship’s current deployment is part of the UK’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and contributing to the security of a region that is increasingly central to global trade and geopolitical interests.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 provides a valuable opportunity for the UK and its allies to strengthen defence ties, improve operational coordination, and demonstrate a united stance in the face of global strategic uncertainty. HMS Prince of Wales remains a symbol of Britain’s resolve and readiness on the world stage.