The United Kingdom has announced that the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has reached full operational capability and has been deployed for the first time under NATO command. The ship marked an important milestone by standing out as the first aircraft carrier in the alliance to carry advanced 5th-generation F-35 fighter jets.
This development came as British ministers hosted their Italian counterparts on board HMS Prince of Wales off the coast of Naples during a visit to the historic maritime city.
A Concrete Step in NATO Strategy: Ministers Meet Onboard
The UK Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary met with their Italian counterparts on the ship. These important engagements strengthened joint steps toward European security, defence cooperation, and NATO’s deterrence capacity. The meeting was regarded as a concrete component of the United Kingdom’s “NATO-first” strategy.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This is a proud moment for the UK. Britain is stepping up for Europe’s security and delivering NATO’s first plan. I am deeply grateful for the professionalism and dedication of everyone who has worked to reach this important milestone. We are in a new era of threats that requires a new era of defence. Our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances, which is why it is fitting to mark this moment alongside one of our closest NATO allies in Italy. The F-35s are operating from the carrier to demonstrate the deep partnership between our armed forces.”
Falcon Strike Exercise: More Than 1,000 Sorties
During the Falcon Strike exercise held by NATO in Italy between 3–14 November 2025, the UK’s and Italy’s F-35 jets operated side by side.
UK F-35s completed more than 1,000 sorties throughout the year, significantly boosting operational readiness and combat capability. The exercise stood out as a critical element of NATO’s collective show of force.
Source: C4Defence / gov.UK
