The United Kingdom Royal Navy concluded an impressive demonstration of military power and multinational cooperation in the Indus-Pacific, in a context characterized by growing tensions with China.
For nine days of operations in the north of the Philippine sea, the HMS Prince of Wales flagship, under the command of the Highmast operation, operated side by side with the naval forces of the United States and Japan in large -scale exercises.
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The culminating moment was when a British F-35B hunting landed on Japanese Portaelicopteri Js Kaga-the first landing of this type on a Japanese ship-symbolizing a new phase in military integration between London and Tokyo.
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The operation brought together four powerful battle groups: the Carrier Strike Group Five of the Uss George Washington, the Amphibious Ready Group of the USS America (USMC), the Japanese battle group of the Kaga and the UK Carrier Strike Group, all engaged in maneuvers that included tactical interceptions, maritime attacks and simulated air fights (“dogfight”).
In total, 11 ships and 23 aircraft of six countries – United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Australia, Spain and Norway – participated. Merlin helicopters of 845º Naval Air Squadron British have landed on the Kaga, marking a further step in the interoperability between the marine.
Commodor James Blackmore, commander of the British Carrier Strike Group, said that bringing together bridge forces of three great maritime powers, together with escort ships of other nations, “demonstrates the strength and interchangeability of the relative working groups” and strengthens the allied commitment for the safety of the ado-patient.
Strategic context: direct message to Beijing
The North of the Sea of the Philippines is a sensitive region, located near strategic routes and disputed areas in the southern Chinese Sea, where Beijing has expanded its military presence and conducted intimidation actions against Taiwan and the neighbors of Southeast Asia.
Experts interpret the exercise as a clear demonstration of force aimed not only at cooperation between allies, but also as a warning to China that the United Kingdom and its partners are ready to act in an integrated way in the event of a crisis. The simultaneous presence of three aircraft carriers – a British, a US and a Japanese – strengthens the rapid response capacity in a potential conflict scenario.
In the coming weeks, the HMS Prince of Wales and the HMS Dauntless destroyer will remain in Japan for maintenance and participation in diplomatic and defense events, including the Pacific Future Forum and the Defense and Security Industry Day, both dedicated to the discussion of military technology, economic security and regional stability.
In the meantime, the HMS Richmond frigate and the Cisterna RFA Tidespring ship will visit Busan, South Korea, further strengthening the British presence in a strategic dial where the competition of influence with China tends to intensify.
Source and images: Royal Navy. This content was created with the help of the AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
