The Royal Navy has broken with historic tradition after forces teamed up with an ancient rival for a joint mission.
Spain’s frigate Mendez Nunez has embarked on a mission to join the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, marking a significant shift in European naval cooperation.
The Spanish Navy vessel set sail from the port of Ferrol, Galicia, to join the British Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier strike group as part of a European-led deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
Equipped with the advanced Aegis combat system, the Mendez Nunez brings formidable air defence capabilities to the task force.
Spain’s frigate Mendez Nuñez
WikiCommons
The Spanish Navy’s decision to integrate with a British-led operation reflects a broader European effort to assert strategic autonomy.
The Mendez Nunez is scheduled to accompany the fleet as it traverses the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific Oceans, ending in the Philippines in August.
This deployment is part of Operation Highmast, a multinational initiative involving up to 12 countries. The mission aims to enhance interoperability and demonstrate a unified naval presence in a region marked by territorial disputes and strategic competition.
Different phases of the mission will see ships participating from other nations including Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the US.
But Spain’s inclusion is likely to raise eyebrows, not least given the country’s long-held animosity to the UK over Gibraltar, as well as the fact that the Spanish and British navies have locked horns in the field of battle over a period of centuries.
LATEST ON BRITAIN’S SEA POWER:
HMS Prince of WalesGETTYThe HMS Prince of Wales set off from Portsmouth on Tuesday for its eight-month voyage. The Carrier Strike Group includes destroyer HMS Dauntless and frigate HMS Richmond along with warships from Norway and Canada.
Around 4,000 UK military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will join Operation Highmast. Allies from Spain and New Zealand are also set to take part along with the Norwegian and Canadian personnel.
The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Nato allies to do more to provide their own defence.
The £3billion carrier’s journey to the Indo-Pacific aims to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to allies concerned about China’s actions regarding Taiwan and disputed sea lanes.
Defence Secretary John Healey
PA
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will visit the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier as it prepares to head towards the Indo-Pacific. Starmer will meet sailors, aviators, soldiers and Royal Marines on the HMS Prince of Wales.
“We are sending a clear message of strength to our adversaries, and a message of unity and purpose to our allies,” said Starmer.
He added: “We will always stand with our allies and our commitment to global stability is unshakeable.”
A contingent of 18 UK F-35B jets will join the carrier initially, with that number increasing to 24 during the deployment. The mission will also include Merlin helicopters and drones.
Indo-Pacific stability is economically critical for the UK, with imports and exports in the region worth £286billion – almost 20 per cent of all UK trade.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the mission’s broader significance.
“From reinforcing global stability and security, to supporting billions in UK exports, this deployment demonstrates how our armed forces keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad while making defence an engine for economic growth,” he said.
