The United Kingdom Royal Navy concluded an impressive demonstration of military power and multinational cooperation in Indo-Pacific, in a scenario marked by growing tensions with China.
During nine days of operations in the north of the Philippines, the HMS Prince of Wales, ahead of Operation HighMast, acted side by side with US and Japan naval forces in large-scale exercises.
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The high point occurred when a British F-35B fighter landed at Japanese JS Kaga holders-the first landing of this type on a Japanese ship-symbolizing a new stage in military integration between London and Tokyo.
The operation brought together four powerful battle groups: Carrier Strike Group Five of the USS George Washington, Amphibious Ready Group of the USS America (USMC), the Kaga Japanese battle group and the UK Carrier Strike Group, all operating in maneuvers that included tactical interceptions, maritime attacks and simulated air combat (“Dogfights”).
In total, 11 ships and 23 aircraft from six countries – United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Australia, Spain and Norway – participated. Merlin Helicopters of the 845th British Naval Air Squadron also launched the Kaga, marking the expansion of interoperability between the sea.
Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the British aircraft carrier attack group, said that gathering deck forces from three major maritime powers, along with escort ships from other nations, “shows the strength and interchange of combined task groups” and reinforces the commitment coupled with the safety of Indo-Pacific.
Strategic context: Direct message to Beijing
The north of the Philippine Sea is a sensitive region, located close to strategic routes and areas disputed in the Southern China Sea, where Beijing has expanded its military presence and performed intimidation actions against Taiwan and Southeast Asian neighbors.
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 UK and its partners are ready to act in an integrated manner in the event of crisis. The simultaneous presence of three aircraft carriers-one British, an American and one Japanese-reinforces the quick response capacity in a possible conflict scenario.
In the coming weeks, the HMS Prince of Wales and the destroyer HMS Dauntless They will remain in Japan for maintenance and participation in diplomatic and defense events, including the Pacific Future Forum and Defense and Security Industry Day, both aimed at discussing military technology, economic security and regional stability.
Meanwhile, the HMS Richmond frigate and the RFA Tidespring tanker ship visits Busan in South Korea, further strengthening the British presence in a strategic quadrant where influence competition with China tends to intensify.
Source and images: Royal Navy. This content was created with the help of AI and revised by the editorial team.
