UK Carrier Strike Group Embarks on Major Military Drills off Scotland's Coast

The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, has commenced Exercise Strike Warrior off the coast of Scotland. These high-stakes military drills are designed to ensure that the task force is fully prepared for operational deployment in the coming months.

This exercise serves as a critical step in preparation for the much-anticipated Carrier Strike Group 25 mission, which will see British warships, support vessels, and fighter jets deployed globally. The operation marks the first of its kind since HMS Queen Elizabeth spearheaded a 49,000-mile voyage to Japan and back in 2021.

Currently, the North Sea is hosting a formidable array of military assets, including F-35B Lightning jets, frigates, destroyers, submarines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers, and helicopters. These units are rigorously testing their ability to conduct joint operations seamlessly, ensuring the strike group’s readiness.

Support from the Royal Air Force is a key component of the exercise, with aircraft participating in anti-submarine operations and testing the task force's air defence capabilities.

The exercise is being coordinated by Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group. From aboard HMS Prince of Wales, he and his battle staff are orchestrating the drills to ensure the group functions as a cohesive and highly effective fighting force.

“The UK’s Carrier Strike Group is the 1-star battle staff that commands the fleet embarked on HMS Prince of Wales,” said Commodore Blackmore. “We have a highly capable set of assets and personnel that provide powerful capabilities across all domains, from anti-air to cyber. This exercise is vital as it validates our readiness as a ‘Very High Readiness’ force, meaning we can deploy with only a few days’ notice.”

One significant aspect of Exercise Strike Warrior is the involvement of 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), marking the squadron’s first return to sea since the Falklands conflict. According to Commodore Blackmore, this exercise is a crucial milestone in the squadron's journey toward achieving Initial Operational Capability.

Throughout the drills, HMS Prince of Wales will be surrounded by an array of warships, including HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Dauntless, and an Astute-class submarine. These vessels will provide multi-layered defence for the aircraft carrier against a range of threats.

HMS Portland, a Type 23 frigate, will focus on anti-submarine warfare, supported by Merlin helicopters and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the RAF. Meanwhile, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless will provide robust air defence, equipped with Sampson radars and Sea Viper missiles—capabilities recently demonstrated during successful operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Lurking beneath the waves, an Astute-class hunter-killer submarine will ensure the task group remains secure from undersea threats while also possessing the firepower to strike targets with Tomahawk missiles if necessary.

Over the course of the next two weeks, the task group will face intense warfare scenarios, testing their ability to protect HMS Prince of Wales and her air wing. The drills will include flying operations and will challenge the group’s ability to handle real-world threats.

Adding to the complexity, the UK Carrier Strike Group will work alongside NATO warships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, Northern Europe’s premier task force. Together, they will conduct a series of tactical exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, countering uncrewed systems, air defence manoeuvres, and rescue operations.

Adding to the complexity, the UK Carrier Strike Group will work alongside NATO warships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, Northern Europe’s premier task force. Together, they will conduct a series of tactical exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, countering uncrewed systems, air defence manoeuvres, and rescue operations. Throughout the exercise, F-35B Lightning jets from 809 NAS will be conducting sorties, including simulated long-range strikes into mainland Europe. This deployment marks a significant moment for 809 NAS, their first aboard HMS Prince of Wales since the squadron was reactivated last year.

Commander Nick Smith, Commanding Officer of 809 NAS, highlighted the importance of their role: “The F-35 Lightning Force, especially units like 617 Squadron and 809 NAS, provide the headline Carrier Strike capability for the task group. Our 5th Generation aircraft bring a range of capabilities, from projecting firepower ashore to defending the task group itself.”

As the UK Carrier Strike Group pushes its capabilities to the limit, these drills are critical in confirming the task force’s readiness for global deployment, ensuring that British naval power remains at the forefront of modern military operations.