The Royal Navy has concluded a powerful demonstration of allied unity and capability in the Indo-Pacific, completing nine days of intensive joint operations with the United States and Japan in the Northern Philippine Sea.
At the forefront of the action was Britain’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, spearheading the UK Carrier Strike Group’s Operation Highmast global deployment.
The carrier operated in close coordination with three allied task forces, showcasing the power of fifth-generation aircraft in modern naval warfare.
In a moment of historic cooperation, a UK F-35B Lightning from Prince of Wales landed on the Japanese Ship Kaga, the first-ever such landing on a Japanese vessel.
This unprecedented manoeuvre took place during a vast multinational exercise involving four battle groups: USS George Washington’s Carrier Strike Group Five, the USMC Amphibious Ready Group centred on USS America, Japan’s KagaBattle Group, and the UK Carrier Strike Group.
The exercise brought together 11 ships and 23 aircraft from the UK, USA, Japan, Australia, Spain, and Norway, sending a clear message of unity, interoperability, and enduring friendship.
“Bringing together the large deck forces from the UK, Japan, and US, as well as escort vessels from Spain, Norway, and Australia, in such close-range showcases the strength and inter-changeability of our combined task groups,” said Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group.
“Operating together during the many evolutions over the past few weeks demonstrates the enhanced interoperability and the commitment of our partners and allies to the Indo-Pacific region.”
Lieutenant Commander Dan Latham of 809 Naval Air Squadron, who piloted the first UK F-35B onto Kaga, called it “a real privilege and the highlight of my embarkation so far,” adding:
“Although the hard work to enable this evolution had taken months to prepare, on the day itself all force elements integrated seamlessly. It truly demonstrated the ease with which the UK and Japan can operate together in the Indo-Pacific region, now and in the future.”
The nine-day mission included tactical intercepts, the first UK fighter jet maritime strike serial, and classic ‘dog fights.’ The climax came with multinational jets flying in tight formation over HMS Prince of Wales.
Personnel from every participating nation engaged in cross-deck operations and exchanges, deepening mutual understanding and honing combined anti-submarine and flying operations.
Lieutenant Rob Callaway of 845 Naval Air Squadron said: “Flying to the Kaga was a great experience. It was my first time flying to a Japanese vessel and they were incredibly professional and welcoming. I am looking forward to working with them again in the future.”
Following the Yokosuka Naval Base arrival, the UK flagship and her escort HMS Dauntless begin a three-week visit to Japan, including a planned Pacific Future Forum in Tokyo and a Defence and Security Industry Day showcasing Britain’s cutting-edge defence technology.
Meanwhile, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring continue allied engagement with a port call in Busan, Republic of Korea.
This latest phase of Operation Highmast reaffirms Britain’s steadfast commitment to Indo-Pacific security, allied cooperation, and the projection of maritime power in defence of international stability.
Pictured is HMS Prince of Wales. Photo: LPhot Alex Ceolin – UK MOD © Crown copyright OGL Licence
