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

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].