British Carrier Strike Group Now Under NATO Command

The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales has reached full operating capability and is now under NATO command, the UK Defence Journal understands.

The move marks the first time a European carrier strike group equipped with fifth generation jets has been committed to the alliance, according to the Ministry of Defence.

HMS Prince of Wales, operating off Naples, is hosting both Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper as they meet their Italian counterparts aboard the carrier. The UK says the milestone reflects a NATO-first posture in defence planning and a renewed focus on European security.

Healey called it “a proud moment for Britain” and said the UK is “stepping up for European security and delivering on our NATO-first plan.” He added that the carrier strike group’s new status comes at a time when “we are in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defence.”