UK ‘steps up for European security’ as Carrier Strike Group declared fully mission ready

The NATO pennant flew from the flagship as the largest contingent (24) of the fifth-generation jets ever assembled on a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier conducted nearly 50 sorties alongside Italian, Greek, French and US aircraft on Exercise Falcon Strike.

Most notably, it marked the moment that the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), centred on HMS Prince of Wales, reached Full Operating Capability – meaning all its component parts are ready to operate on front-line duties wherever required.

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, before returning to the Med to showcase the power of NATO’s fifth-generation jets.

Over two weeks, jets carried out day and night sorties – including air interdictions, suppression of enemy defences and strike missions. The jets were also tasked with defending a ship in the strike group from attacks.

The exercise saw Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo join the UK force – which comprises UK and international warships, including HMS Richmond, HMS Dauntless and Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen.

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

Type 45 destroyer Dauntless spent a brief time working on the exercise, but has been operating elsewhere in the Mediterranean with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 – the alliance’s premier security task force in the region.

Consisting of up to six destroyers and frigates, the group is on constant patrol on a mission aimed at peace, stability and the protection of freedom of navigation across the Med.

Meanwhile, HMS Richmond visited Albania – hosting defence discussions and a formal reception, including tours of the frigate.
Off the coast of Naples – as Falcon Strike came to its conclusion – UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, and Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper MP hosted their Italian counterparts on board HMS Prince of Wales for discussions on deepening defence and security cooperation, including joint efforts to counter hybrid warfare threats and bolster European security in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion in Ukraine.

Central to the visit was the announcement that the CSG has reached ‘Full Operating Capability’ and is ‘mission ready’ for NATO.

Mr Healey said: “This is a proud moment for Britain. The UK is stepping up for European security and delivering on our NATO-first plan.

“I am deeply grateful for the professionalism and dedication of all those who’ve worked to reach this significant moment.

“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.”