Britain’s biggest warship has sailed from Scotland to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to the security of the Atlantic and High North.
After spending the bank holiday weekend loading ammunition and supplies, HMS Prince of Wales left the Glen Mallan jetty in Loch Long for Nordic waters.
The Portsmouth-based aircraft carrier will be joined by Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and tanker RFA Tidespring and will exercise with NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) throughout the deployment, reinforcing the collective defense of the region.
They will head for the fjords near Bergen, conducting intensive ‘swarm attack’ drills alongside Wildcat helicopters of 815 Naval Air Squadron, P2000 patrol boats, and heavily armed Norwegian missile craft.
The exercise – Tamber Shield – is designed to hone the tactical agility required to protect high-value assets – such from small, fast-maneuverable threats in confined waters.
The focus will then switch to the High North and open waters, training with NATO’s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise in Northern Europe, Dynamic Mongoose.
“HMS Prince of Wales stands ready as the nation’s flagship to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s commitment to NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force,” said Captain Ben Power, the flagship’s Commanding Officer.
“My thanks go to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters.”
HMS Duncan’s Commanding Officer Commander James Mitchell added: “As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defense capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units.
“Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force.”
“It is exciting for RFA Tidespring to play another essential role in extending the limits of the Royal Navy and NATO allies, putting training into practice and provide specialist support to the UK’s Carrier Strike Group.
The force’s actions are being directed by the staff of Commander UK Carrier Strike Group under Commodore Rich Hewitt.
“This 2026 deployment delivers a clear signal of the UK’s steadfast commitment to working with regional partners and securing Europe’s northern flank,” he said.
“In an increasingly volatile environment, our integration with partner nations is vital to safeguarding our mutual interests.”
The deployment will allow the ships to develop their warfighting readiness and unwavering commitment to North Atlantic and High North security, building on recent pledges by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins to forge a robust maritime force alongside northern European navies.