The Royal Navy has confirmed that HMS Prince of Wales, the United Kingdom's largest warship, has departed from Scotland to participate in a series of defence exercises in Nordic waters. The vessel set sail from the Glen Mallan jetty on Loch Long in Argyll and Bute, heading towards Norway to enhance security across the Atlantic and the High North regions.
Deployment Details
The aircraft carrier, which is typically stationed in Portsmouth, will be accompanied by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring. Throughout the deployment, the naval group will operate alongside NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
Training Exercises
The fleet is scheduled to arrive in Norwegian waters near Bergen, where a training drill named Tamber Shield will take place with Norwegian forces. Later, the group will transition to the High North and open waters for the anti-submarine exercise Dynamic Mongoose, which will be conducted in northern Europe.
Commanding Officers' Statements
Captain Ben Power, commanding officer of HMS Prince of Wales, stated: "HMS Prince of Wales stands ready as the nation's flagship to demonstrate the United Kingdom's commitment to NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force. My thanks go to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters."
Commander James Mitchell, commanding officer of HMS Duncan, added: "As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defence capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units. Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force."
Captain Terry Barke RFA, who commands the supporting tanker, remarked: "It is exciting for RFA Tidespring to play another essential role in extending the limits of the Royal Navy and NATO allies, putting training into practice and providing specialist support."
Strategic Significance
Commodore Rich Hewitt commented: "This 2026 deployment delivers a clear signal of the UK's steadfast commitment to working with regional partners and securing Europe's northern flank. In an increasingly volatile environment, our integration with partner nations is vital to safeguarding our mutual interests."
