News
His Majesty King Charles III Visits British Carrier Ahead of Major Deployment
March 19, 2025
King Charles III recently visited aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales as the UK Carrier Strike Group gears up for a global deployment to the Indo-Pacific this spring.
The British monarch watched British F-35s in action aboard the 65,000-ton Royal Navy warship.
The Royal visit highlights the significance of the UK Carrier Strike Group and F-35s to the nation’s defense.
Best for Britain: Why the F-35 Matters
The F-35B’s short takeoff and vertical landing capability makes it ideal for operations aboard the UK’s two aircraft carriers.
Britain’s F-35s have already made significant contributions during recent high-profile deployments, including exercises Strike Warrior, Cobra Warrior, Ramstein 1v1, and Steadfast Defender.
.jpg)
Last year, Royal Air Force F-35s conducted NATO air policing for the first time, in Iceland.
Pound for Pound
The F-35 program also supports the UK’s economy and defense industry, creating £45.2Bn gross value added and more than 20,000 British jobs.
The F-35 program is supported by 835 companies across Great Britain, including over a hundred Tier 1 suppliers including BAE Systems.
Strength, in Numbers
The F-35’s advanced capabilities and interoperability keep the UK’s military ahead of emerging threats today and over the horizon.
The F-35 is also the fighter of choice for allies across Europe, providing unparalleled capabilities, interoperability and allied deterrence.
By the 2030s, more than 600 F-35s will be stationed in Europe.
