ADF to Support UK-Led Strike Group in Major Indo-Pacific Mission

The chief of joint operations said the deployment offers a valuable opportunity for collaboration and readiness.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia on Feb. 7, 2025. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Australia is deepening its military cooperation with the UK as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) supports a UK-led carrier strike group deployment through the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast.

The eight-month mission, involving forces from 12 nations, features the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales and two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II jets. The deployment underscores growing defence ties between Australia and its allies amid rising regional tensions.