Mediterranean – On 22 November 2025, Italian and British F-35B jets disembarked HMS Prince of Wales after taking part in NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-4 in support of NATO.

As part of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group Full Operating Capability, the carrier embarked the largest fifth generation Carrier Air Wing to date, with 24 F-35B jets on deck backing NATO during NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-4. This demonstrates NATO’s willingness and readiness to act in defence of allied nations’ peace and security.

Italian F-35Bs have been embarked on HMS Prince of Wales for NEPTUNE STRIKE, an enhanced vigilance activity under Operation HIGHMAST, proving interoperability and interchangeability between the UK and Italy. The Joint Carrier Air Wing has executed NEPTUNE STRIKE, underlining UK and Italian ability and willingness to operate together for NATO in the Mediterranean and beyond.

Led by UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales and involving around a dozen nations, the eight-month mission Operation HIGHMAST is now entering its final phase. After five months of activity across the Indo-Pacific, the task group has returned to the Mediterranean for further multinational exercises before sailing home.

Operation HIGHMAST aims to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to security in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, demonstrate collective resolve with allies, and promote British trade and industry. Over the deployment, more than 4,500 British personnel have taken part, including nearly 600 Royal Air Force personnel, about 900 soldiers, and around 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

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