UK Sends HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Group to High North Under Operation Firecrest

Officials cite a 30% rise in Russian naval activity near UK waters over two years.

Overview

The 2026 deployment will operate across the North Atlantic and Arctic with RAF F-35s, helicopters and Royal Navy escorts.
Activity will align with NATO’s new Arctic Sentry focus and include joint work with US, Canadian and Northern European forces.
The carrier group will exercise with Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, which the UK leads in 2026 with HMS Dragon as command ship.
Elements will fall under NATO command with close coordination through Joint Force Command Norfolk, set to be led by a British officer for the first time.
Thousands of UK personnel will participate, with plans to double the UK troop presence in Norway and a focus on securing the GIUK gap and undersea infrastructure.