HMS Prince of Wales gears up for NATO operations
HMS Prince of Wales bridge island with the NATO badge next to its pennant number. (Photo: HMS Prince of Wales/ Crown Copyright via Twitter)
The aircraft carrier takes on a key NATO responsibility at a time of increased tensions between the alliance and Russia.
The UK's second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, on 11 January formally took on the role of command ship for the maritime aspect of NATO's Response Force ahead of a busy year of NATO operations.
The RN assumed command of the NATO Response Force on 1 January, taking over from the French Navy.
As the command ship, Prince of Wales will lead an international task group and operate in the Arctic, Baltic, and Mediterranean regions.
Commander UK Strike Force, led by RAdm Mike Utley will direct the multi-national force.
Prince of Wales will depart
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
