The milestone confirmed that the UK Carrier Strike Group, centred on the Royal Navy’s flagship, has reached Full Operating Capability. It follows an eight month global deployment that included operations in the Indo Pacific before returning to the Mediterranean for advanced training.
During two weeks of activity, the jets conducted day and night missions that included air interdiction, suppression of enemy defences and strike tasks. They also carried out the defence of a strike group ship under simulated attack.
Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo joined the UK led force, which included HMS Richmond, HMS Dauntless and Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen. More than 1,000 personnel and over 50 aircraft from five nations took part in the Italian led Falcon Strike exercise.
Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless contributed briefly before continuing duties with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 in the Mediterranean. The task force of up to six warships maintains constant patrols in support of stability and the protection of freedom of navigation.
HMS Richmond also visited Albania during the deployment, hosting defence talks and a formal reception with tours of the ship. The visit supported wider UK engagement in the region.
As Falcon Strike concluded off Naples, UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met their Italian counterparts on board HMS Prince of Wales. Talks focused on deepening defence cooperation, countering hybrid threats and strengthening European security in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The visit centred on the announcement that the Carrier Strike Group has achieved Full Operating Capability and is mission ready for NATO. Healey said: “This is a proud moment for Britain. The UK is stepping up for European security and delivering on our NATO-first plan.”
He added: “I am deeply grateful for the professionalism and dedication of all those who’ve worked to reach this significant moment.” He also said: “We are in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defence. Our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances, so it is fitting to mark this moment alongside one of our closest NATO allies in Italy. Their F-35s have been operating from the carrier to demonstrate the deep partnership between our militaries.”
The Carrier Strike Group will now take part in Exercise Neptune Strike, the second phase of its Mediterranean training. The NATO led workout will test the alliance’s ability to strike maritime targets and will include carrier based air missions and amphibious landings.
The programme will also feature anti submarine drills designed to rehearse tasks such as securing key waterways and ensuring freedom of navigation. The training will complete the group’s current operational cycle in the region.
Source: Royal Navy (press release).
