In the context of the deployment of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific, the United Kingdom has confirmed that it is spearheading a proposal for France and Italy to join in a series of coordinated carrier missions in the region—aimed at clearly demonstrating Europe’s commitment to the security of its allies. The initiative would fall under the framework of the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative (ECGII), whose main objective is to enhance the ability of European navies to operate together as part of a combined Strike Group.

Providing further detail, UK Defence Secretary Maria Eagle addressed the matter in response to a parliamentary inquiry by MP Ben Obese-Jecty. Quoting her statement: “[We have] jointly sequenced aircraft carrier deployments, including coordinating the deployment of HMS Prince of Wales with France’s Charles de Gaulle and Italy’s Cavour.”

It is important to note that under the rules of the ECGII, none of the three countries would relinquish autonomy in deciding when their carriers participate or whether they would engage in national missions or operations with regional allies during deployments. As such, this does not imply the establishment of a permanent European carrier strike presence in the Indo-Pacific, but, according to the participating nations, it does increase the visibility and impact of their deployments as part of a coordinated effort.

In that regard, as stated by Secretary Eagle: “The coordinated effort enhances regional security and strategic alignment.” This is especially relevant given recent military maneuvers by China around Taiwan—highlighted by reports of over 41 aircraft and 9 ships deployed near the island. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the People’s Liberation Army Navy has recently sent two of its aircraft carriers beyond the so-called First Island Chain—an area established by the U.S. as part of its strategic containment of China.

So far, both the HMS Prince of Wales and the Italian carrier ITS Cavour have already trained together this past May while the British vessel was transiting the Mediterranean en route to the Indo-Pacific. The joint exercises, dubbed Mediterranean Strike 25, enabled both carriers to operate alongside a force of more than 24 warships (including 3 submarines), 41 fighter jets, 10 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, 19 embarked helicopters, and a total of 8,000 personnel. Meanwhile, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle concluded its own five-month Indo-Pacific deployment in April—dubbed Clemenceau 25—which involved the carrier, three frigates, a replenishment ship, and a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

Images used for illustrative purposes only.

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