HMS Astute is on its way to the Mediterranean, with the first photos of the 2025 carrier strike group being released.
The Royal Navy confirmed the vessel is a participant in Operation Highmast under the commandment of Commodore James Blackmore.
The operation’s aim is to “reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region”, the Royal Navy said.
The eight-month mission will take the group to the western pacific region and will involved upwards of 4,500 British military personnel.
HMS Astute is on its way to the Mediterranean
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It also aims to “demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry”.
HMS Astute sailed from Devonport ahead of the rest of the group on April 21.
The photos featuring the vessel were taken whilst approaching the Strait of Gibraltar.
Alongside HMS Astute is Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, which will be leading the group.
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HMS Astute sailed from Devonport ahead of the rest of the group on April 21
Navy Lookout
HMS Astute and the carrier fleet
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Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, RFA Tideforce and RFA Tidespring round out the rest of the British ships part of ensemble.
Spanish ship ESPS Méndez Núñez and Royal Norweigan Navy ships HNoMS Maud and HNoMS Roald Amundsen make up the rest of the group.
The Royal Navy said the Carrier Strike Group is its “key deployment of 2025”.
“The goal is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry,” the military force said.
“Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel will be involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.”
Last week, it was revealed that the Royal Navy teamed up with an ancient rival for a joint mission, breaking a historic tradition.
Spain's frigate Mendez Nunez has embarked on a mission to join the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, marking a significant shift in European naval cooperation.
The Spanish Navy vessel set sail from the port of Ferrol, Galicia, to join the British Royal Navy's aircraft carrier strike group as part of Operation Highmast.
Equipped with the advanced Aegis combat system, the Mendez Nunez brings formidable air defence capabilities to the task force.
