The British Royal Navy has completed a demonstration impressing military power and multinational cooperation in Indo-Pacific, amid the increasing tension with China.
During the nine days of operations in the north of the Philippine Sea, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier led the Highmast Operation with the United States Navy and Japan in large scale exercises.
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The peak moment occurred when the British F-35B fighter jet landed on the Japanese helicopter aircraft carrier JS Kaga-the first landing of this type on Japanese ships-which symbolized a new chapter in military integration between London and Tokyo.
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This operation involved four large combat groups: Carrier Strike Group Five from USS George Washington, Amphibious Ready Group from USS America (USMC), Japanese Combat Kaga group, and UK Carrier Strike Group. The exercise includes tactical interception, maritime attacks, and simulation air battles (“Dogfights”).
In total, 11 ships and 23 aircraft from six countries – Britain, US, Japan, Australia, Spain and Norway – took part. The Merlin helicopter from the 845th British Navy Squadron also landed in Kaga, increasing interoperability between the Navy.
Commodor James Blackmore, commander of the British aircraft carrier combat, stated that combining the deck strength of the three major maritime powers, along with the escort ships from other countries, “showing the strength and integration of the combined task force” as well as strengthening the allies’ commitment to indo-Pacific safety.
Strategic context: Message directly to Beijing
The northern part of the Philippine Sea is a sensitive area located near the strategic path and the dispute area in the South China Sea, where Beijing has expanded its military presence and is carrying out intimidating acts of Taiwan and neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
Experts interpret this exercise as a demonstration of clear strength, not only for cooperation between allies, but also as a warning to China that Britain and their partners are ready to act in an integrated manner in the event of a crisis. The attendance of three aircraft carriers – one Britain, one America, and one Japan – confirmed the ability to respond quickly to the potential for conflict scenarios.
In the coming weeks, the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless destroyers will remain in Japan for maintenance and participate in diplomatic and defense events, including the Pacific Future Forum and Defense and Security Industry Day, which focuses on military technology, economic security, and regional stability.
Meanwhile, HMS Richmond Fregat and RFA Tidespring tanker visited Busan, South Korea, further strengthened the presence of Britain in a strategic area which is expected to experience increasingly intense influence with China.
Source and picture: Royal Navy. This content is made with the help of AI and has been reviewed by the editorial team.
