The UK’s flagship aircraft carrier has returned to front-line duties “to deter Russian aggression”.
HMS Prince of Wales – Britain’s biggest warship – has entered the second phase of the Operation Firecrest deployment.
The deployment sees Britain send its Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and Arctic to protect NATO’s Northern Flank.
The group includes Royal Navy warships and RAF fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to bolster defence and security.
The Ministry of Defence said in a February statement: “It comes as Russia’s military activity in the North Atlantic continues to increase. Over the past two years, there has been a 30% increase in Russian navy vessels threatening UK waters.”
The Royal Navy said: “Throughout this next phase, the focus will remain firmly on maintaining operational readiness, strengthening interoperability and ensuring we are prepared to respond to the challenges of an increasingly important region.
“By operating together, we reinforce our collective ability to protect UK national interests, support our NATO commitments and contribute to the enduring security and stability of the North Atlantic.”
