UK Carrier Strike Group declared ‘mission-ready’ (PHOTOS)

November 19, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), centred on HMS Prince of Wales, has reached Full Operating Capability (FOC), meaning all its parts are ready to operate on front-line duties wherever required.

According to the Royal Navy, the declaration comes at the tail end of an eight-month global operation that took the task group into the Indo-Pacific to operate with regional allies and partners. Specifically, Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its air wing of F-35 fighter jets carried out the first of two major Mediterranean workouts under NATO command.

HMS Prince of Wales leads UK Carrier Strike Group into Mediterranean (PHOTOS)

Operations

Overall, more than 1,000 personnel and over 50 aircraft from five nations trained together on the Italian-led exercise, codenamed Falcon Strike.

The UK force, which comprised UK and international warships, including HMS Richmond, HMS Dauntless and Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen, was joined by Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo.

The NATO pennant flew from the flagship as the largest contingent of the fifth-generation jets ever assembled on a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier conducted nearly 50 sorties alongside Italian, Greek, French and US aircraft. Over two weeks, jets carried out exercises, including air interdictions, suppression of enemy defences, and strike missions. They were also tasked with defending a ship in the strike group from attacks.

“We are in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defence. 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,” UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, said.

The Carrier Strike Group now heads for the second Med workout, Exercise Neptune Strike, which will test NATO’s ability to strike targets at sea and includes carrier-based air missions and amphibious landings.

It will also see anti-submarine drills, where personnel will practice for scenarios like ensuring freedom of navigation and securing maritime chokepoints.