The Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP have announced UK F-35 NATO air policing operations from HMS Prince of Wales off Iceland, involving more than 1,500 British personnel across the Carrier Strike Group.
The Royal Navy’s flagship is deployed off Iceland under NATO command as part of Britain’s Carrier Strike Group. The operation includes F-35 jets patrolling above Iceland and the High North from the deck of HMS Prince of Wales.
The announcement was published on 6 July 2026, after Dan Jarvis visited UK forces onboard the carrier with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. It comes alongside UK command roles in NATO’s Allied Reaction Force and wider British deployments across the Alliance.
UK Carrier Operations Strengthen High North Security
UK F-35 jets are conducting NATO air policing operations from HMS Prince of Wales in the High North. The Ministry of Defence said this is the first time NATO has conducted air policing operations from a European aircraft carrier.
The carrier is operating off Iceland under NATO command. The deployment is focused on protecting NATO allies against increasing Russian threats in the North Atlantic and High North.
- Aircraft: UK F-35 jets are operating from HMS Prince of Wales.
- Location: patrols are taking place above Iceland and the High North.
- NATO role: the activity is being conducted under Alliance command.
Defence Secretary Visits Forces Off Iceland
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis visited deployed UK personnel onboard HMS Prince of Wales. He was accompanied by Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir during the visit.
The Ministry of Defence said Iceland provides support to allied forces operating from its territory. The visit highlighted cooperation between the UK and Iceland in the North Atlantic security environment.
Carrier Strike Group Supports NATO Defence
Britain’s Carrier Strike Group is led by HMS Prince of Wales and includes Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and RFA Tidespring. More than 1,500 British personnel are deployed with the group in the North Atlantic.
The Ministry of Defence said the group is helping to defend Europe and the North Atlantic. Its work forms part of UK activity to increase NATO resilience, readiness and unity.
- HMS Prince of Wales: the aircraft carrier leads the deployed group.
- HMS Duncan: the Type 45 destroyer is part of the operation.
- RFA Tidespring: the support vessel is deployed with the group.
UK Takes NATO Reaction Force Roles
The UK’s Special Operations Forces assumed leadership of the Special Operations Component Command within NATO’s Allied Reaction Force on 1 July. The force is described by the Ministry of Defence as the spearhead of the Allied Reaction Force and able to deploy within days.
The UK also assumed command of the maritime component of the Allied Reaction Force. Rear Admiral Mark Anderson and his battle staff have taken up the post, while HMS Queen Elizabeth is preparing to serve as the force’s floating headquarters later this year.
UK NATO Deployment Overview
| Area | UK Role | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier operations | HMS Prince of Wales | Deployed off Iceland |
| Air policing | F-35 patrols | Operating above High North |
| Reaction force | UK command | Assumed on 1 July |
| Personnel | Over 1,500 | Carrier Strike Group |
Defence Investment Supports Carrier Air Wing
The Carrier Strike Group operation comes after the Defence Investment Plan confirmed £240 million for the development of new drones. The funding is intended to support a Hybrid Carrier Air Wing.
The Ministry of Defence said the programme includes jet-powered drones designed to work alongside F-35 fighter jets. The wider Defence Investment Plan also confirmed £298 billion over four years to strengthen readiness and provide equipment and technology.
Ministerial Comments
Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Defence Secretary said;
“It was an honour to visit our deployed personnel who are conducting operations that help keep our nation and our allies safe.”
“We live in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain time, and it’s deployments like this, supported by allies and partners including Iceland, that improve our deterrence and defence as part of NATO.”
“We are investing £298 billion over the next four years to strengthen readiness and ensure our people have the kit and technology they need.”
“I’m proud of our people and proud of the commitments we’re making to the alliance and to European security.”
Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Icelandic Foreign Minister said;
“The visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group is a clear demonstration of NATO’s enhanced presence in this strategically important region, and one that Iceland is proud to support and contribute to.”
“NATO continues to strengthen its deterrence and defence, demonstrating Allied unity and resolve in the challenging environment of the North Atlantic and the Arctic. Activities such as Arctic Sentry reflect this shared commitment.”
Wider UK Role Across NATO
The Ministry of Defence said more than 1,000 British personnel are serving across NATO command posts. The UK also leads the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps from its headquarters in Gloucestershire, with more than 400 permanent staff from 20 NATO allies.
UK forces remain deployed across NATO activity in Estonia, Romania and the Baltic Sea. The Ministry of Defence also said UK-based Quick Reaction Alert squadrons are integrated into NATO’s air defence system and help guard the northern air policing area.
The UK’s wider NATO role includes land, air, maritime, command and deterrence commitments. The government said the UK remains the only European NATO member to commit its nuclear deterrent in full to the Alliance and will join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission with F-35A jets.
UK NATO Commitments
| Commitment | UK Contribution | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Estonia | 800-strong battlegroup | Forward land forces |
| Romania | Typhoon jets | Air defence |
| Baltic Sea | P-8 and Rivet Joint | Surveillance |
| Gloucestershire | ARRC headquarters | NATO command |
| UK airspace | QRA squadrons | 24/7 readiness |
The High North deployment links UK carrier aviation, NATO air policing and wider Alliance readiness in the North Atlantic. The operation off Iceland sits alongside new UK command roles in the Allied Reaction Force, investment in future carrier aviation, and continuing British contributions across NATO land, air, maritime and deterrence activity.
Sources: GOV.UK, Ministry of Defence, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
