The UK conducted the largest recorded operation with British F-35 fighter jets, by deploying 24 F-35B Lightning II jets aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales during the Carrier Strike Group’s mission in the Mediterranean.
According to the Royal Navy, this is the largest number of fifth-generation fighter jets ever assembled on a British ship or any other aircraft carrier worldwide.
The F-35Bs took part in complex missions alongside forces from Italy, the United States, and Greece, in both daytime and nighttime operations aimed at enhancing NATO’s integrated air and naval combat capability. The group’s commander, Commodore James Blackmore, emphasized that the exercise marks an important milestone and reinforces the UK’s combat readiness as part of its eight-month mission, covering more than 26,000 nautical miles and involving 40 nations.
The group’s return to the Mediterranean follows five months of operations in the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast, showcasing the UK’s global presence. In the current phase, the Italian frigate ITS Luigi Rizzo joined the force, which now includes around 4,000 personnel from British and Norwegian ships.
In Crete, the command of the HMS Prince of Wales passed from Captain Will Blackett to Captain Ben Power, while support units, such as the frigate HMS Richmond and the destroyer HMS Dauntless, conducted training and ceremonies with Greek partners.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @COMUKCSG | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The UK Carrier Air Wing is operating in support of @NATO on #NeptuneStrike. The largest 5th generation Carrier Air Wing remains ready to act to defend and protect our Allies and Partners.#CSG25 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/Q8nPmpO1Sw
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) November 22, 2025
