As part of Operation Highmast and the deployment of Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) in the Indo-Pacific region, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales completed a series of drills with the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Kaga before beginning its visit to Japan. Over nine days of operations in the Philippine Sea, naval and air units from the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and other allied countries carried out combined training that included cross-deck operations with F-35B stealth fighters, as well as a complex replenishment-at-sea maneuver, strengthening interoperability and multinational cooperation.
The HMS Prince of Wales, flagship of the Royal Navy, led the activities alongside three allied strike groups: Carrier Strike Group Five centered on USS George Washington, the Amphibious Ready Group centered on USS America, and the task group of JS Kaga. In total, eleven ships and twenty-three aircraft from six countries—including Australia, Spain, and Norway—took part. Operations included tactical maneuvers, simulated air combat, anti-submarine operations, and formation flights, culminating in a joint flyover of the British aircraft carrier.
One of the most notable moments was the landing of a British F-35B stealth fighter on JS Kaga, the first of its kind in the history of the naval relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan. F-35B aircraft from the United States Marine Corps also took part, expanding multinational operational experience with fifth-generation aircraft. This achievement was made possible after months of preparation and close coordination among participating forces, consolidating the power projection capabilities of both navies in the region.
This milestone follows recent developments. In 2023, officers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force visited HMS Prince of Wales to learn first-hand about its F-35B operating procedures, and in 2024 they inspected the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour during its stay in Yokosuka. Meanwhile, Japan is moving forward with the acquisition of forty-two F-35Bs for the Izumo-class, currently undergoing conversion to operate STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) aircraft, with JS Izumo expected to begin operations with these fighters in 2027 and JS Kaga in 2028.
Modifications to these vessels include structural reinforcements, redesigned flight decks, and systems adapted to withstand the high temperatures generated by F-35B engines. While Japan had already permitted foreign aircraft operations aboard JS Izumo in 2021 and JS Kaga more recently, the participation of British aircraft marks an additional step toward full operational integration between allied forces.
During its transit to Japan, HMS Prince of Wales carried out a replenishment-at-sea operation with the United States Navy, receiving fuel, ammunition, and solid supplies. The replenishment was conducted in conjunction with the tanker RFA Tidespring and the U.S. logistics ship USNS Wally Schirra, marking the first time a T-AKE class vessel had performed such a transfer to a British aircraft carrier. This logistical milestone reflects the close cooperation between the two navies in long-range operations.
HMS Prince of Wales will remain in Japan for three weeks, with scheduled activities in Yokosuka and Tokyo from late August to early September. Its agenda includes the Pacific Future Forum, which will bring together defense, security, and industry leaders to address strategic and technological challenges, as well as a day dedicated to the British defense industry. At the same time, the frigate HMS Richmond and the support ship RFA Tidespring will visit Busan, in the Republic of Korea, reinforcing the British presence in the Indo-Pacific and commitment to regional security.
Image credits: UK Ministry of Defence.
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