Aircraft carriers from the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States have gathered in the Northern Philippine Sea in a high-profile demonstration of allied naval power during Operation Highmast.<\/p>\n
A rare formation featuring two US Navy flat tops, Japan\u2019s JS Kaga and the Royal Navy\u2019s HMS Prince of Wales has assembled in the Northern Philippine Sea in what may be the most powerful multinational naval force currently operating anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n
\nAllies and partners sailing as one.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf4\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccdNorthern Phillippine Sea.#CSG25<\/a> #OpHighmast<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OMC4Bo1vJL<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) August 10, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The lineup includes a US Nimitz-class supercarrier, the F-35B-capable JS Kaga, a US Wasp\/America-class amphibious assault ship and HMS Prince of Wales, each with embarked fast jets, helicopters and supporting escorts. Dozens of combat aircraft from the carriers formed up overhead in a display of allied air power.<\/p>\n
Operation Highmast is the Royal Navy\u2019s 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment, centred on HMS Prince of Wales. The deployment spans the Indo-Pacific, with port visits and exercises designed to strengthen partnerships and improve operational readiness with regional allies. It has included joint training with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the US Navy, and the Australian Defence Force, as well as integrated air operations featuring F-35B Lightning II jets from 617 Squadron.<\/p>\n
The operation also serves as a platform to develop complex multinational interoperability, from combined carrier strike operations to coordinated anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance drills. This year\u2019s itinerary takes the strike group across some of the most strategically contested waters in the world, underlining the UK\u2019s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and a stable security environment in the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udd37#OpHighmast<\/a>\ud83d\udd37#JS_KAGA<\/a> and #JS_TERUZUKI<\/a> are conducting a Japan \u2013 U.K \u2013 Australia \u2013 Norway \u2013 Spain \u2013 U.S.Multilateral Exercise!!!!!#CSG25<\/a> #AlliesAndPartners<\/a> #StrongerTogether<\/a> #Interoperability<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Si0efmePO4<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 \u9632\u885b\u7701 \u6d77\u4e0a\u81ea\u885b\u968a (@JMSDF_PAO) August 10, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Images released by the JMSDF show the three nations\u2019 carriers and escorts operating in formation, with allied aircraft and helicopters visible on deck. The JMSDF framed the exercise as a testament to the strength of its alliances, using the hashtags #StrongerTogether and #AlliesAndPartners, while also invoking the shared goal of a \u201cfree and open Indo-Pacific\u201d.<\/p>\n
This carrier convergence marks a significant moment in Operation Highmast, combining naval aviation assets from some of the world\u2019s most capable maritime forces in a single operating area.<\/p>\n