Britain’s biggest warship HMS Prince of Wales departs Scotland on security mission

Britain’s biggest warship has departed from Scotland on a security mission in Nordic waters.

HMS Prince of Wales left Loch Long for the fjords near Bergen, to conduct operation Tamber Shield.

A Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan, and a tanker, RFA Tidespring, are being transported to take part in the mission, which will see ‘swarm attack’ drills carried out alongside Wildcat helicopters of the 815 Naval Air Squadron, P2000 patrol boats, and heavily armed Norwegian missile craft.

The mission, training to protect high-value assets from fast-manoeuvrable threats in confined waters, is being conducted alongside NATO and will be joined by the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

Britain’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales sails from Glenmallen, Scotland Supplied

The focus will then switch to the High North and open waters, to focus on training with NATO’s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise.

The deployment will allow the £3bn vessel to develop its “warfighting readiness”.

“HMS Prince of Wales stands ready as the nation’s flagship to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s commitment to NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force,” said Captain Ben Power, the flagship’s commanding officer.

“My thanks go to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters.”

Merlin MK2 Helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron embark on Britain’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales. Supplied

HMS Duncan’s commanding officer commander James Mitchell added: “As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defence capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units.

“Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force.”

Captain Terry Barke RFA, in command of the tanker supporting the operation, said: “It is exciting for RFA Tidespring to play another essential role in extending the limits of the Royal Navy and NATO allies, putting training into practice and providing specialist support.”

Commodore Rich Hewitt, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, said: “This 2026 deployment delivers a clear signal of the UK’s steadfast commitment to working with regional partners and securing Europe’s northern flank,” he said.

“In an increasingly volatile environment, our integration with partner nations is vital to safeguarding our mutual interests.”