The United Kingdom’s strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific has received a significant uplift with the arrival of the UK-led Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) in the region, marking the latest chapter in Operation Highmast. Commanded by HMS Prince of Wales, the deployment aims to enhance defence partnerships and open new avenues for trade across Asia-Pacific.
The task group—comprising vessels from Canada, Norway, Spain, and most recently joined by New Zealand’s frigate HMNZS Te Kaha—has sailed through the Red Sea into the Indian Ocean after completing earlier exercises in the Mediterranean. Their presence underscores growing multinational collaboration aimed at preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
In a powerful display of defence diplomacy, CSG25 has already carried out joint operations with the Indian Navy, deepening ties with one of the UK’s key strategic partners ahead of an upcoming port call in India later this year.
UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, remarked:
“I am delighted that our Carrier Strike Group and 4,000 Service Personnel are now operating in the Indo-Pacific region. Working with our Allies and partners, to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
This isn’t just about hard power; the upcoming exercises and port visits are about building influence and boosting trade opportunities both for defence and other sectors of our economy which will deliver British jobs and growth, and delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change.”
Beyond defence, the mission also serves a wider diplomatic and economic agenda. Scheduled port visits to Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea will feature defence demonstrations and trade fairs—strategically supporting the UK Government’s “Plan for Change” through job creation and economic expansion.
Australia will also feature prominently on this journey, with a port visit to Darwin aimed at reinforcing the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Meanwhile, CSG25’s participation in the Australian-led Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 will bring together the British Army and Royal Air Force alongside regional allies in one of the largest joint military exercises in the Pacific.
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the CSG, stated:
“The deployment sends a powerful message that the UK and its allies are committed to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It’s a privilege to lead our sailors, marines, soldiers and aircrew as we demonstrate warfighting capability.”
With two F-35B squadrons embarked aboard HMS Prince of Wales, the UK is set to redefine naval aviation as it moves towards full carrier strike operational capability. The integration of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy on this deployment marks a pivotal moment in British military readiness and power projection.
A notable highlight of the voyage will be the hosting of the Pacific Future Forum in Japan—bringing together defence, technology, and security leaders to address regional challenges and advance collaborative innovation.
This landmark deployment follows the UK Prime Minister’s pledge to raise defence spending to 2.6% of GDP, underscoring the Government’s unwavering focus on national security and global leadership.
As the Government has firmly reiterated, national security remains the foremost priority, forming the very bedrock of its broader Plan for Change. This unwavering commitment to safeguarding the United Kingdom is not merely a matter of defense policy, but a foundational principle that underpins the country’s overall direction across domestic, economic, and diplomatic fronts. In today’s increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, the ability to project strength and readiness is more essential than ever. Ensuring the safety of citizens and the sovereignty of the nation is not only a duty—it is the central pillar around which all long-term national strategies are constructed.
The recent success of Operation Highmast serves as a powerful demonstration of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force’s collective capability, resilience, and global reach. These forces represent more than just defense assets; they are key instruments of stability, deterrence, and international influence. Their performance reflects the Government’s integrated approach to security and strategic foresight, directly supporting the delivery of its five national missions—from boosting economic growth and energy independence to asserting a stronger global leadership role. By reinforcing the operational strength of the UK’s armed forces, the Government continues to secure both the nation’s physical safety and its strategic future.
