The UK is preparing the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales for a possible deployment to the Middle East, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Royal Navy workers in Portsmouth are readying the flagship to reduce its notice to move from ten days to five, allowing for quicker mobilisation if a decision is made to deploy it to the region.
No final decision has been taken, and the MoD stated the vessel could also undertake other planned missions. The warship would require escort vessels and a submarine if deployed, joining HMS Dragon, which is also being sent to the region. The preparations come amid heightened tensions following US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior leaders.
The MoD said RAF Typhoon and F-35 jets have continued air operations over Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus to defend British interests. The US has also begun using British bases for specific defensive operations, with B-1 Lancer bombers arriving at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Additionally, two more Wildcat helicopters arrived in Cyprus on Friday, capable of shooting down drones, and a Merlin helicopter is being sent for surveillance.
An MoD spokesperson said: 'We have been bolstering our UK military presence in the Middle East since January, and we have already deployed capabilities to protect British people and our allies. HMS Prince of Wales has always been on very high readiness, and we are increasing its preparedness.' The UK has also chartered flights to evacuate British nationals, with over 6,500 brought back from the UAE since the conflict began.
