Royal Navy hosts NATO leaders for notable discussions in Portsmouth

Commander UK Strike Force (CSF), Rear Admiral Rob Pedre – who holds the most senior seagoing command in the Royal Navy – hosted two high-profile conferences on board HMS Queen Elizabeth and in Portsmouth dockyard’s Warfighting Centre.

Military figures from Turkey, Italy, Greece, Poland, Spain, Germany, the United States and France were all involved as discussions on warfighting issues took place, aimed at improving command and control of joint operations and broadening the understanding of NATO Strategy.

Up for debate was how NATO can push the boundaries of uncrewed systems, improve information sharing and synchronisation of operational plans – all with the intention of bringing forces closer together and giving them the edge while deployed together.

NATO is prioritising experimentation with uncrewed systems, focusing on evolving capabilities that will reduce the risk on personnel in conditions where the threats are high.

Participants in the discussions emphasised the importance of information sharing to create effective mission command during operations – all of which can be nurtured through intensive training.

Rear Admiral Pedre took up duties as the inaugural Commander Task Force (CTF) Atlantic last July as NATO strengthened efforts in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.  

“The Royal Navy is committed to NATO First,” said Rear Admiral Pedre.  “It has been a great privilege for CSF to host this NATO CTF Commanders’ Conference and to welcome naval commanders from across the Alliance strengthening NATO interoperability and warfighting readiness.”

As part of his ongoing work, Rear Admiral Pedre initiated the quarterly CTF commanders’ conference two years ago, with an eye on developing cooperation, collaboration, but most crucially trust between allies.

These conferences act as timely reminders of the importance of allies and partners, against a backdrop of significant and growing geopolitical instability around the globe.

Royal Navy warships are continually operating with NATO nations across the globe – Spanish, Norwegian and Canadian ships are currently deployed with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific, while in Europe, Royal Marines have just completed a major exercise with French, Italian, US and Spanish allies. 

That couples with regular training and operations together, including working closely to keep waterways and chokepoints secure for the stability of NATO countries.