Story perspectives

Prince of Wales Leads NATO Arctic Drill, FIRECREST Ends

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

HMS Prince of Wales led the Carrier Strike Group to command NATO’s Arctic Neptune Strike 26-3.
The group finished the High-North drill on 23 July and prepared to return to Portsmouth, ending Operation FIRECREST phase one.
Warships, submarines and aircraft from fourteen NATO nations participated.
HMS Prince of Wales carried eight F-35B jets, three Merlin Mk2 helicopters, two Wildcat HMA2 helicopters and two Malloy UAVs, while HMS Duncan operated two Malloy UAVs.

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Story summary

HMS Prince of Wales led the Carrier Strike Group to command NATO’s Arctic Neptune Strike 26-3.
The group finished the High-North drill on 23 July and prepared to return to Portsmouth, ending Operation FIRECREST phase one.
Warships, submarines and aircraft from fourteen NATO nations participated.
HMS Prince of Wales carried eight F-35B jets, three Merlin Mk2 helicopters, two Wildcat HMA2 helicopters and two Malloy UAVs, while HMS Duncan operated two Malloy UAVs.