The carrier sailed from Portsmouth on Tuesday to scenes of public support, as crowds lined the waterfront to see her off. Since departure, she has embarked over three dozen aircraft, helicopters, and drones to reinforce maritime presence and deterrence in a strategically vital region.
Initial aircraft on deck included Merlin Mk4s and Wildcat helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton, with the full air group assembled at sea. While key engineering personnel and equipment embarked in Portsmouth, the core of the air wing – led by 18 F-35B Lightning stealth fighters – joined the carrier during the early stages of the mission.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined HMS Prince of Wales to observe flight operations and express government support for the mission. He described the deployment as a “national endeavour” and stated: “As she heads out on one of the largest deployments this century, we are sending a clear message of strength to our adversaries, and a message of unity and purpose to our allies.”
“We will always stand with our allies and our commitment to global stability is unshakeable,” the Prime Minister added, underlining the strategic importance of the Carrier Strike Group 2025 mission. The air wing will demonstrate UK resolve to defend international trade routes and counter global threats in cooperation with regional partners.
The embarked force includes 18 F-35Bs from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron RAF, launched from RAF Marham, with an additional six aircraft expected to join later. The complement also features 16 Merlin helicopters – both anti-submarine and surveillance variants – alongside Wildcats and a range of Malloy and Puma drones for logistics and reconnaissance tasks.
In total, the air group is comprised of approximately 750 personnel under the leadership of Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group. “It’s taken a huge endeavour to get to this point thanks to thousands of people in squadrons and air bases and supporting staff and industry,” he said.
Captain McGannity added: “It’s a huge privilege to lead this air group, to show what it can do and I’m massively looking forward to it.”
