HMS Prince of Wales Sets Sail from Portsmouth for Major North Sea Exercise

The Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales is gearing up to lead the UK Carrier Strike Group in a significant exercise in the North Sea, as she departs from Portsmouth this weekend. The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier is set to embark on an intensive autumn training programme, which includes the pivotal Exercise Strike Warrior – a critical step in preparing the vessel, her air group, and escorts for a global deployment scheduled for next year.

Subject to weather conditions, HMS Prince of Wales will leave Portsmouth on Saturday morning, heading first to the training area off Cornwall to qualify her air wing before moving to the exercise zone off the Scottish coast.

The exercise will see F-35B Lightning jets from the joint Royal Navy/RAF 809 Naval Air Squadron and the 617 Squadron on board, marking the first time 809 NAS has deployed with a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier since its formation at RAF Marham in Norfolk last year. Alongside the renowned 617 'Dambusters,' these state-of-the-art fifth-generation jets will provide a formidable air presence as HMS Prince of Wales leads a multinational naval task force alongside partner nations.

For the 809 NAS pilots, this exercise is an opportunity to gain vital experience in carrier operations both day and night, as well as to complete their carrier qualifications. The support crew of engineers, technicians, and armourers will also hone their skills in maintaining and operating the UK’s most advanced fighter jets in the demanding conditions of a warship at sea.

Joining the fleet will be Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron, based at RNAS Yeovilton. These versatile attack helicopters will take part in the exercise to refine their air-to-air combat capabilities using the Martlet missile system, enhancing the defensive strength of the task force.

HMS Prince of Wales has spent the summer ensuring she’s fully prepared for deployment, successfully completing Operational Sea Training in late August. This training verified her ability to handle any peacetime emergencies, such as fires or floods. Upon completion of Exercise Strike Warrior, the carrier is expected to achieve an even higher level of operational readiness.

After the exercise concludes, HMS Prince of Wales will continue with her winter programme, which includes a final support period in Portsmouth. This will serve as the last stage of preparation before the Carrier Strike Group's global deployment in 2025.