Earlier this week, the Royal Navy and the Italian Navy concluded a major demonstration of combined naval power, reflected in the joint training of the aircraft carriers HMS Prince of Wales and ITS Cavour alongside their respective Strike Groups in the Ionian Sea. According to official reports, the operation brought together a force of approximately 8,000 sailors, 21 warships, 3 submarines, 19 helicopters, and over 40 combat aircraft.
The activity, known as Med Strike, took place from the 5th to the 11th of this month and also involved elements from more than seven allied nations, supported by NATO’s Maritime Command. For the participating naval forces, it was a significant opportunity to strengthen interoperability in high-realism scenarios, while simultaneously sending a strong deterrence message to potential threats in the Mediterranean.
Among the highlights of the exercise were the numerous day and night flights carried out by advanced F-35 stealth fighters from the British 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron. A noteworthy detail was that part of these operations were coordinated from the control center aboard the Italian aircraft carrier. The training also featured major anti-submarine warfare and air defense drills in the waters off southern Italy.
Additionally, the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond conducted artillery training exercises during the operation, while the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless participated in a replenishment-at-sea drill with the Norwegian ship HNoMS Maud, successfully transferring around 300,000 liters of diesel. Meanwhile, Merlin helicopters from the 845 Naval Air Squadron were tasked with transporting the British ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn, for a visit to the aircraft carrier from Sicily.
It is worth noting that the activities described here are part of a broader Royal Navy deployment known as Operation Highmast. This is the most significant mission planned by the Royal Navy for 2025—a deployment lasting eight months that will see the HMS Prince of Wales-led Strike Group travel to the Indo-Pacific. The aim is to participate in various exercises with allied nations and conduct visits to strengthen London’s trade ties with those partners.
Image credits: Royal Navy, Marina Militare
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