United Kingdom - April 26, 2025 The Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group is set for its key deployment of 2025, known as Operation Highmast. Led by the UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales, the mission involves a dozen nations and will span eight months. The task group will travel through the Mediterranean and Middle East, ultimately reaching the western Pacific Rim. The goal is to strengthen the UK’s security commitment in both the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions. Throughout the operation, the UK aims to demonstrate collective resolve with its allies and showcase British trade and industry. The mission will include large-scale exercises with Britain's partners. Up to 4,500 British military personnel will be involved in Operation Highmast. This includes nearly 600 RAF members, 900 soldiers, and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Marines. The operation features several impressive vessels, including the Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez (F-104), the Republic of Singapore Navy’s RSS Formidable (68), and the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless.