Here Navy Lookout summarises the latest activities of the Royal Navy-led Carrier Strike Group as it begins the central phase of the deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.
HMS Prince of Wales made a spectacular arrival at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore on 23rd June and has been engaged in defence diplomacy, hosting industry days, local media, members of the public and dignitaries.
HNoMS Roald Amumdesn arrived ahead of the rest of the CSG at the Singaporean Navy’s main base at Changi. HMS Richmond made a brief stop in Changi and then along with ESPS Mendez Nunez headed for a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. HMCS Ville De Quebec is visiting Port Klang, Malaysia.
HMS Dauntless and RFA Tidespring are in Sembawang in Singapore with HMNZS Te Kaha, which previously joined up with the CSG in the Arabian Sea. HMAS Sydney is also now in Sembawang and will join the group as it departs Singapore on 29th June, heading to Australia to participate in the multilateral exercise Talisman Sabre from 13th July 13 – 4th August.
No drama in the Red Sea
The Carrier Strike Group passed through the Suez Canal on 12 June, entering the Indo-Pacific region and marking a new phase in its global deployment. The transit of the Red Sea was quiet and conducted without incident, but the task group remained at a high state of readiness throughout.
The group’s 3 embarked Crowsnest-equipped Merlins, which have now declared Full Operating Capability, conducted persistent airborne patrols during the time in the Red Sea to provide early warning and broad area maritime and land surveillance.
17 out of 18
Currently, HMS Prince of Wales is operating with 18 jets and 16 helicopters embarked. One of the F-35Bs is still on the ground at Thiruvananthapuram Airport in India following a weather-related diversion on the night of 14 June. Three aircraft were airborne at the time, but only two were able to return to the carrier. The decision to divert was judged correct under the circumstances but the stranded aircraft subsequently developed a technical fault and needs further assessment. Multiple recovery options are being explored, subject to the outcome of engineering inspections.
Talisman Sabre
UKCSG will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which includes plans to launch eight F-35Bs simultaneously for the first time in one of the high-end training serials. The exercise will provide an opportunity to integrate the UK jets with large force packages from air forces of allied nations in complex scenarios
Following Talisman Sabre and a port visit to Darwin, the group will continue northwards to conduct joint activity with allies in Japan and the Republic of Korea. Integration is planned with the USS George Washington CSG and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) assets, including the carrier JS Kaga. UK jets will conduct cross-deck operations with Kaga, as Japan prepares for its own carrier air operations with F-35B.
Japan to India
After Talisman Sabre, a maintenance and recreation period is planned in Japan and HMS Prince of Wales will host the Pacific Future Forum event in Tokyo on 29th and 30th August. Subsequently, the fifth phase of the deployment will include participation in Exercise Bersama Lima under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), alongside Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. After the FPDA serial and another port visit to Singapore, the task group will sail for India for a further series of exercises and a stop in Mumbai, India.
The final stage of the deployment will see the Carrier Strike Group return west through the Middle East and enter the Mediterranean. Here the focus will shift to Exercise Falcon Strike, where the RN plans to embark 24 F-35Bs in a demonstration of Full Operating Capabilty for UK carrier strike.
