In a powerful display of joint capability and commitment to safeguarding sovereignty across the South Atlantic Islands, the UK Armed Forces have successfully executed Operation Southern Sovereignty, a coordinated mission spanning South Georgia and the Ascension Island, the Royal Navy reports.
At the heart of the operation was HMS Forth, serving as the flagship from which Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands directed activities, ensuring unity of effort across all domains. Alongside her core crew, HMS Forth embarked a detachment from the Royal Irish Regiment, the current Roulement Infantry Company (RIC), reinforcing the ship’s versatility in delivering joint effects. Air support was provided by RAF Typhoon aircraft and an A400M transport aircraft operating from Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands, highlighting the reach and responsiveness of UK air power in the region.
The operation also featured a RIC detachment deployed to Ascension Island, demonstrating the ability to operate seamlessly across the Joint Operating Area. This presence underscores the UK’s enduring commitment and capacity to respond effectively to challenges in this strategically important region.
Beyond the operational objectives, UK forces supported a critical development project for the South Georgia government, facilitating the movement of essential materials. This effort, enabled by personnel from all three services, strengthens infrastructure resilience and reinforces long-term stability across the South Atlantic Island. The Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Brigadier Charlie Harmer said: “Op SOUTHERN SOVEREIGNTY enabled me to test our ability to project power across the Joint Operational Area and in the Sea, Land and Air domains concurrently. Whilst it reassures the population, ultimately it contributes to my mission to deter aggression in the South Atlantic Islands and demonstrates UK sovereignty in action. Operation SOUTHERN SOVEREIGNTY stands as a clear testament to the UK’s unwavering dedication to protecting sovereignty and maintaining security throughout the South Atlantic.
For the crew of HMS Forth there was snow at Christmas as the Falklands Islands’ patrol ship closed out 2025 supporting a combined Army-RAF-Navy exercise in remote South Georgia.
It’s high summer in the South Atlantic and a balmy 10 or even 12 Celsius by day in the island chain, which lies about 900 miles from the Falklands.
But the waters around South Georgia are a mere 6 Celsius and the proximity of Antarctica mean bergs of various sizes are commonplace, while the upper slopes of mountains which rise above 9,000ft are snow covered.
Operation Southern Sovereignty spanned an area of almost 1½ million square miles of the South Atlantic – a triangle covering UK military personnel and units in the Falklands, Ascension Island and South Georgia.
River-class patrol ship HMS Forth, coming up to her sixth anniversary operating from East Cove Military Port, acted as flagship from which Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Brigadier Charlie Harmer, and his staff directed activities, ensuring unity of effort by land, sea and air.
Also embarked was a detachment from the Royal Irish Regiment, the current Roulement Infantry Company in the Falklands, and air support courtesy of RAF Typhoon and an A400M transporter from Mount Pleasant Complex.
The operation also featured a RIC detachment deployed to Ascension Island – like the Falklands one of several small, isolated British Overseas Territories dotted around the South Atlantic.
Beyond a test of logistics and operational objectives, UK forces supported a critical development project for the South Georgia government, helping to move stores from Maiviken Cove to the ‘capital’ Grytviken – a distance of under two miles, if there were roads.
