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Britain places HMS Prince of Wales and F-35 fighters under NATO command in Mediterranean first
The Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its squadron of advanced F-35B Lightning jets have been officially placed under NATO command for the first time, marking a significant boost to the alliance’s maritime and air capabilities in Europe.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced this milestone as the carrier strike group operated off the coast of Naples, where British and Italian ministers convened aboard the vessel to strengthen defence cooperation. This represents the first instance of a European carrier strike group equipped with fifth-generation stealth fighters being fully integrated into NATO’s operational command.
The carrier currently carries 24 British F-35B jets, the largest number deployed on a single vessel in Europe, surpassing previous records. These aircraft have been extensively involved in Exercise Falcon Strike alongside Italian, French, Greek, and US forces, showcasing NATO’s combined airpower. The strike group’s full operational capability coincides with a strategic UK emphasis on a “NATO-first” defence policy aimed at enhancing European security leadership as outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
Returning to the Mediterranean after a five-month Indo-Pacific deployment under Operation Highmast, the carrier group is now preparing to join NATO’s Neptune Strike exercise, which will test critical naval skills including anti-submarine warfare and amphibious landings. The HMS Prince of Wales, at around 280 meters in length and displacing 65,000 tons, is central to delivering NATO’s air and sea deterrence on the alliance’s southern flank amid ongoing regional tensions.
This operational shift signifies a new phase for NATO’s maritime posture, complementing the French carrier Charles de Gaulle and US naval groups, and providing a stronger, more continuous presence in the Mediterranean. The move signals Britain's sustained commitment to collective security, heightened deterrence against regional threats, and a clear message of alliance solidarity and readiness.