UK to deploy carrier strike group to North Atlantic and Arctic

Britain will deploy its Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and Arctic in 2026 as part of Operation Firecrest announced in a press release and by Keir Starmer at the unich Security Conference. This action aims to reinforce NATO's deterrence against increasing Russian military activity in the region. The deployment will include the HMS Prince of Wales, F-35 jets, and involve exercises with the U.S., Canada, and Northern European allies.

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this operation in "making Britain warfighting ready." Thousands of personnel from all military branches will participate. This deployment follows an increase in Russian naval threats and aims to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, including undersea infrastructure.