After completing a significant eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will now lead the so-called Operation Firecrest, aimed at consolidating the United Kingdom’s presence in the North Atlantic and the Arctic in response to what is described as a growing Russian threat in the region. According to official communications, the Carrier Strike Group will include fifth-generation F-35 fighters operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), helicopters, and warships, collectively intended to send a message of deterrence to Moscow and ensure the protection of vital undersea infrastructure.
Referring to the new deployment, Defense Secretary John Healey stated: “I am proud that we are stepping up the UK’s leadership on security in the High North and the Atlantic. This deployment will help make Britain war-ready, boost our contribution to NATO, and strengthen our operations with key allies—keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad.”
In underscoring the importance of Operation Firecrest, London has pointed out that over the past two years there has been up to a 30% increase in Russian naval activity near British waters—a trend that continues to rise and concerns UK authorities. This issue is far from minor, especially as it has also been one of the arguments frequently raised by the U.S. administration led by Donald Trump in its statements regarding Greenland, generating tensions within NATO over how to address the matter.
In this context, it comes as no surprise that the Royal Navy indicated that activities are planned near the eastern coast of the United States, in an effort to reinforce the close ties between Washington and London in light of the situation. Specifically, the Royal Navy confirmed that HMS Prince of Wales will visit an unspecified U.S. port and will also serve as a temporary base for its F-35 fighters to operate in the Arctic.
Additionally, the Carrier Strike Group will integrate into operations conducted under NATO’s recently launched Arctic Sentry mission, designed to strengthen military presence in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. It will also operate alongside NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 1, which in 2026 will be led by the British destroyer HMS Dragon, as well as elements of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which includes units from several Northern European allies.
Operation Firecrest is expected to involve “thousands of personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces,” demonstrating the United Kingdom’s ability to conduct large-scale deployments and coordinate among its service commands. The development comes as the Ministry of Defence announced it will double its military presence in the Arctic by deploying additional personnel to Norway—expanding from the current 1,000 troops stationed at Camp Viking to approximately 2,000, many of them from Royal Navy Commando units.
Finally, broadening the scope of British military activity in the region, it is worth noting that in March the UK will participate in Exercise “Cold Response” alongside several NATO allies, taking place in Norway, Finland, and Sweden to train personnel in mountain warfare operations. Moreover, in September the United Kingdom will conduct Exercise “Lion Protector” with the Joint Expeditionary Force in the High North, focusing on training forces to protect critical infrastructure against potential sabotage attempts.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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