Lightning off the Lizard… Stealth fighters join carrier as HMS Prince of Wales’ air group assembles

The most powerful deployment of UK airpower at sea this century is now embarked aboard HMS Prince of Wales and her carrier group after two days of intense activity at air bases across southern England – and especially on the deck of the UK flagship.

Since departing her home base of Portsmouth on Tuesday, when thousands of people lined the waterfront to give the carrier an unforgettable send-off, the carrier has been embarking a succession of aircraft off the south coast, ready to begin the 7½-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

A smattering of helicopters – Merlin Mk4s and Wildcats from RNAS Yeovilton – were on deck for the carrier’s departure.

But the bulk of the airpower - more than three dozen aircraft, helicopters and drones, spearheaded by F-35B Lightnings – has joined the ship at sea (although many of the supporting personnel and engineers, spare parts, tools etc embarked in Portsmouth).

Reinforcing the importance of the Operation Highmast deployment – intended to send a powerful message that the UK and its allies stand ready to protect vital trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region and deterring those who seek to undermine global security – the Prime Minister joined the flagship to observe the aircraft arriving and thank crew for their commitment and dedication.

Sir Keir Starmer hailed the “national endeavour” which had delivered HMS Prince of Wales, her hi-tech systems and machinery, and continued to support the Carrier Strike Group 2025 mission.

"As she heads out on one of the largest deployments this century, we are sending a clear message of strength to our adversaries, and a message of unity and purpose to our allies,” the premier said.

“We will always stand with our allies and our commitment to global stability is unshakeable.”

He learned from the strike group’s command team of the potency and complexity of the air wing which includes:

• 18 F-35B Lightnings from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron RAF which flew aboard from RAF Marham in Norfolk (a further six stealth fighters will join the carrier later in the deployment).
• 16 Merlin (Mk2 anti-submarine and Airborne Surveillance and Control variants to join the troop carrying/utility Mk4s) and Wildcat maritime attack helicopters.
• Numerous Malloy and Puma drone flights which will perform missions as varied as transferring supplies between the task group and from ship to shore to conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

This air power is flown/maintained/operated and choreographed by around 750 personnel, mostly on the carrier, under Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group.

Collectively, in terms of capability, the RN hasn’t sent such a force to sea before.

“It’s taken a huge endeavour to get to this point thanks to thousands of people in squadrons and air bases and supporting staff and industry,” he said.