Full Breakdown
British and Italian Carrier Forces Collaborate in the Mediterranean
11/26/2025, 3:29:26 AM
Joint Operations in the Mediterranean
On Saturday, British and Italian air and sea power converged over the Mediterranean as F-35B jets from the UK and Italy, along with Italian Navy AV-8B Harriers, conducted a coordinated fly-past over HMS Prince of Wales and Italy’s flagship Cavour. This event followed the conclusion of Exercise Neptune Strike, a key component of Operation Highmast, which represents the UK’s eight-month global carrier deployment. The exercise demonstrated the interoperability and interchangeability of the two nations' forces, with Italian F-35Bs embarking directly on HMS Prince of Wales.
Operation Highmast Overview
Operation Highmast is now entering its final stages after a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific. The UK Carrier Strike Group, which includes approximately 4,500 British personnel—comprising nearly 600 RAF aviators, 900 soldiers, and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines—has returned to the Mediterranean for a series of multinational exercises before concluding its mission. The UK government describes this operation as a strategic signal of its long-term commitment to security in both the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions.
Largest Deployment of F-35B Jets
The current deployment marks a significant milestone, as HMS Prince of Wales has embarked the largest number of F-35B Lightning jets ever assembled on a British aircraft carrier, totaling 24 aircraft. This figure represents the highest number of fifth-generation fighters deployed on either of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class ships and the largest concentration of such jets at sea globally. The aircraft have engaged in complex day and night missions alongside forces from Italy, the United States, and Greece, aimed at enhancing NATO’s combined air and maritime combat capabilities.
Official Statements & Responses
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, emphasized the importance of the upcoming exercises with NATO allies, stating that they will showcase the warfighting readiness of the UK Carrier Strike Group. He noted, “This eight-month deployment, covering over 26,000 nautical miles and engaging with 40 nations, reinforces the UK’s position as a leading European power delivering fifth-generation aircraft and carrier capabilities to NATO.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the collaboration has been praised for enhancing NATO's operational capabilities, some critics argue that the focus on military exercises may divert attention from diplomatic solutions to regional tensions. Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of increased military presence in the Mediterranean, particularly in relation to ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
What's Next
As Operation Highmast approaches its conclusion, the UK Carrier Strike Group will continue to engage in exercises with NATO allies, further solidifying its role in regional security. The outcomes of these exercises may influence future military strategies and alliances in the Mediterranean and beyond.
