F-35B Lightning fighter jets from HMS Prince of Wales are taking part in Exercise Falcon Strike, an Italian-led NATO drill designed to advance multinational air combat readiness.
The Royal Navy flagship currently has 24 of the F-35s operating from its flight deck, the highest number ever assembled on a British aircraft carrier.
Falcon Strike 2025 began on November 3 and is running until Friday; the British carrier is participating as she leads the U.K. Carrier Strike Group back through the Mediterranean Sea after five months operating in the Indo-Pacific on Operation Highmast.
Training with the Italian, U.S. and Greek Air Force, the British jet fighters have been conducting day and night training scenarios with a view to strengthening NATO’s air capabilities, deterring adversaries and boosting security.
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, said: “It is fantastic to be back in the Mediterranean after a hugely successful period in the Indo-Pacific and a transit of the Red Sea.”
He added: “The eight-month deployment covers over 26,000 nautical miles and engages with 40 nations, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading European power delivering fifth-generation aircraft and carrier capabilities assigned as a primary contribution to NATO.”
Italian frigate ITS Luigi Rizzo has joined the CSG for the latest leg of its eight-month deployment. At a port visit to Souda Bay in Crete, Captain Ben Power took over the role of HMS Prince of Wales’ Commanding Officer from Captain Will Blackett.
Meanwhile Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has engaging in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises with the Greek Navy, and Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless has also paid a port visit to Souda Bay.
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website