HMS Prince of Wales Launches F-35B Jets in Arctic, June 19

The Royal Navy has deployed F-35B Lightning stealth fighters from HMS Prince of Wales during operations in the Arctic as part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission. The carrier, one of the Queen Elizabeth-class ships, operates alongside NATO allies in response to increased Russian activity in the High North. This deployment demonstrates the UK’s commitment to NATO deterrence and advanced carrier strike capability in a strategically important region.

F-35B Jets Take Flight from the Carrier

F-35B Lightning jets from 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron have embarked on HMS Prince of Wales and are flying from her deck. The jets flew from their home base at RAF Marham in Norfolk to join the carrier. The F-35B is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare.

Why the Queen Elizabeth-Class Design Matters

The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are 920 feet long and have no catapults or arrestor wires. The F-35B’s short take-off and vertical landing design allows it to operate from these ships, turning the carrier into a mobile airbase. This flexibility enables the UK to project advanced strike capability across the region without needing specialized launch equipment.

Arctic Sentry Mission and NATO Response

HMS Prince of Wales is conducting Arctic Sentry, a NATO mission introduced earlier this year to increase watchfulness across the High North, Norwegian Sea, and North Atlantic. The mission responds to increased Russian activity in the region. The carrier operates alongside NATO allies as part of Operation Firecrest, the UK’s deployment for the first quarter of 2026.

Carrier Strike Group Composition

HMS Prince of Wales has been joined by the destroyer HMS Duncan and the tanker RFA Tidespring on Operation Firecrest. Together, they form a balanced carrier strike group combining air power, mobility, and endurance. The deployment demonstrates the UK’s commitment to delivering advanced warfighting capability to NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Final Thoughts

HMS Prince of Wales demonstrates the UK’s ability to operate advanced carrier strike capability in challenging Arctic conditions. The deployment reinforces British commitment to NATO deterrence as Russian activity increases in the High North.

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