The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales has reached full operating capability and is now under NATO command, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The move marks the first time a European carrier strike group equipped with fifth generation jets has been committed to the alliance, according to the Ministry of Defence.
HMS Prince of Wales, operating off Naples, is hosting both Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper as they meet their Italian counterparts aboard the carrier. The UK says the milestone reflects a NATO-first posture in defence planning and a renewed focus on European security.
Healey called it “a proud moment for Britain” and said the UK is “stepping up for European security and delivering on our NATO-first plan.” He added that the carrier strike group’s new status comes at a time when “we are in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defence.”
The MOD says the carrier group now provides NATO with a fully integrated force featuring F-35B jets, airborne surveillance assets and supporting warships. The UK characterises the combined capability as enhancing the alliance’s readiness and combat power, with Healey arguing that “our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances.”
Cooper framed the shift in terms of wider partnerships, saying “the partnerships we build abroad make us stronger at home.” She highlighted joint UK–Italian activity, including work on next-generation fighter development and combined F-35 operations. According to the government, UK fast jets have flown more than 1,000 sorties during this year’s deployment.
The Italian visit follows the carrier group’s extended Indo-Pacific deployment, where it undertook exercises with Australia, Japan and India. In the Mediterranean, the group will now integrate into NATO’s Neptune Strike exercise, which includes sea strike missions, amphibious drills and anti-submarine operations.
The MOD says the carrier currently embarks the largest number of UK-owned fifth generation jets ever placed on a single vessel. The deployment has also seen more than 50 uncrewed logistics flights land on the carrier, which the government presents as a step forward in integrating drones into routine naval operations.
The strike group will continue port engagements across southern Europe while preparing for NATO tasking through the winter.
