Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier's Japan Visit Discussed

Details of the impending 2025 visit to Japan by Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales have been discussed by the U.K. Defence Secretary and his Japanese counterpart.

Defence Secretary John Healey met Defence Minister Gen Nakatani in London last week against the backdrop of Exercise Vigilant Isles, ongoing army manoeuvres which have seen more than 100 troops deployed to Kyushu, Japan.

In another bid to strengthen defence ties between the two countries, the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) — comprised of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, her escorts and her aircraft —  will make a port visit in Japan this spring as part of its wider Indo-Pacific deployment.

It will also conduct a series of operations and exercises alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners “to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” as per a U.K. Ministry of Defence statement.

The Defence Secretary said: “There are many miles between our two nations, but the U.K. and Japan stand closer together than ever in support of peace and security across the globe.”

This summer the Royal Navy’s CSG will also be taking part in the 11th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre, biennial, multinational and multidomain military manoeuvres led by Australia and the United States.

As per the Australian Government website, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) will be the largest yet, with invites extended to 19 nations. It is expected to encompass a live-fire exercise, and field training exercises including amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, and air combat and maritime operations.

Forces are expected to start gathering in Australia from mid-July 2025.

• You can read more details on the U.K. MoD website and the Australian Government website