The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is supporting a United Kingdom-led carrier strike group during a deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast.
The carrier strike group comprises of ships, aircraft and personnel from 12 nations over an eight-month deployment from Europe, and includes the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, and two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
In June, a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft provided maritime surveillance for the carrier strike group during its transit through the North Indian Ocean.
Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney is now integrated within the carrier strike group ahead of its participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 next month.
ADF support to Operation Highmast will include port and basing facilities for ships and aircraft in Australia; integration of ships and aircraft in the Indo-Pacific; and participation in Exercise Bersama Lima alongside Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, welcomed the opportunities for security cooperation during Operation Highmast.
"Deploying from Europe to Australia and sailing throughout the Indo-Pacific represents a significant logistical undertaking that we are proud to support," Vice Admiral Jones said.
"We value the carrier strike group's involvement in Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, marking the first time a non-US aircraft carrier has participated in this exercise.
"Operation Highmast presents an opportunity for training and integration of ADF personnel that ensures our respective workforces are prepared to respond to shared challenges."
HMS Prince of Wales is the first Royal Navy aircraft carrier to visit Australian waters since 1997, when HMS Illustrious visited Fremantle.
Vice Admiral Jones said Operation Highmast reflected Australia's commitment to strengthening engagement with Indo-Pacific partners.
"Operation Highmast enriches our training and defence engagement with regional partners, specifically Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States," he said.
"The ADF and British Armed Forces share a longstanding defence relationship, providing a strong foundation for our training with the carrier strike group.
"It is a shared value of our two nations to maintain security and stability and adherence to international law to ensure peace and prosperity in our region."
