UK announces record size naval deployment
The British government has announced that the largest concentration of UK maritime and air power “in a generation” will set sail next month, visiting more than 40 countries.
The UK’s Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG) maiden deployment will visit India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace will set out the details of the CSG before Parliament, which will be led by the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The CSG’s 28-week deployment will span 26,000 nautical miles and will include engagements with Asian nations as part of the UK’s “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific region.
Ben Wallace said: “When our Carrier Strike Group sets sail next month, it will be flying the flag for Global Britain – projecting our influence, signalling our power, engaging with our friends and reaffirming our commitment to addressing the security challenges of today and tomorrow.”
The UK Carrier Strike Group will be NATO’s first 5th generation Carrier Strike Group, underlining the UK’s leading role in the Alliance.