Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales begins bold eight-month mission as British warships head to Indo-Pacific with possible route through Taiwan Strait

The Royal Navy’s most advanced warship is heading back into high-stakes waters.

HMS Prince of Wales, Britain’s flagship aircraft carrier, has departed Portsmouth today as the centerpiece of a major eight-month military deployment—one that could see it sail through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, a move almost certain to provoke Beijing.

This bold tour, dubbed Operation Highmast, isn’t just about naval drills.

It’s a statement—about global influence, military readiness, and the UK’s willingness to stand its ground in a tense Indo-Pacific region.

A $3.7 Billion Show of Strength Sets Off

Leading this high-profile deployment is the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), a powerful force of British, Norwegian, and Canadian warships.

At its core is the £3 billion HMS Prince of Wales, a 65,000-ton behemoth carrying more than 4,000 personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the Army.

Sailing alongside will be the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, two Norwegian ships—tanker HNoMS Maud and frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen—as well as the UK’s HMS Richmond and Canada’s HMCS Ville de Quebec.

Taiwan Strait on the Map—But Not Yet Confirmed

Although the Ministry of Defence hasn’t confirmed the exact route, naval commanders haven’t ruled out traveling through the Taiwan Strait—a narrow but politically explosive stretch of water between China and Taiwan.

Earlier this month, China ran live-fire military exercises in the Strait, simulating attacks on strategic ports and energy hubs.

Many analysts believe Beijing is increasingly posturing for a full-scale move against Taiwan.

“We’ll Go Where We’re Ordered,” Says Commodore

Despite the risks, Commodore James Blackmore, who’s leading the UK CSG, made it clear: the mission will go wherever it’s needed.

“I’ll carry out whatever task I’m given,” he said in an interview with The Telegraph.

“Whether it’s combat readiness, engaging with allies, or defending international law—we’re prepared.

Our role out there is to support the rules-based international order and reassure our partners that we’re here, we’re committed, and we’re ready.”

He added that any decision to sail through the Taiwan Strait will come from senior levels in government, but regardless of the path, the Navy is “ready for all eventualities.”

A Larger Alliance—And a Bigger Message

This is the second time the UK has sent a Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific. Back in 2021, it was HMS Queen Elizabeth leading the charge.

But on that mission, the fleet deliberately avoided the Taiwan Strait to avoid heightening tensions with China.

This time feels different. With 12 nations including Spain, Norway, and Canada participating, this tour is as much about diplomacy and deterrence as it is about drills.

The UK is positioning itself not just as a military power, but as a global player in regional security.

Diplomatic Tightrope with China

Relations between the UK and China have shown signs of softening under the current Labour government.

Earlier this month, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, held talks with top Chinese military officials.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves also visited Beijing this year, despite pushback from MPs urging a tougher stance on China’s human rights and military aggression.

If the UK ultimately steers clear of the Taiwan Strait again, some critics might argue it’s a sign of the government bending for economic reasons—especially amid ongoing trade talks.

Red Sea Risks and Readiness for Conflict

The path to the Indo-Pacific won’t be easy either. Another potential flashpoint is the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.

Houthi militants have targeted both merchant and military vessels in recent months, raising concerns for the fleet’s safety.

Still, Commodore Blackmore remains confident. “We’re ready to strike if we need to,” he said.

“This deployment is proof the UK has a capable and credible force—and that we can rally international partners around a common cause.”

More Than Military Might—It’s About Strategy and Trade

Defence Secretary John Healey called the operation “immensely complex,” but also strategically vital.

“This deployment sends a powerful message to adversaries,” he said.

“But it also strengthens economic ties, promotes British exports, and opens doors for deeper trade partnerships.”

In short, Operation Highmast is more than just a show of force—it’s a carefully balanced mission of diplomacy, deterrence, and national interest, sailing straight into some of the most turbulent waters on Earth.