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The Australian Defence Force is backing a United Kingdom-led carrier strike group during its eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific, under the banner of Operation Highmast.
The multinational carrier strike group includes ships, aircraft and personnel from 12 countries, and features the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, accompanied by two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II aircraft. The group has deployed from Europe as part of a strategic push to strengthen security and defence ties across the Indo-Pacific.
In June, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft provided surveillance support for the group as it transited the northern Indian Ocean.
Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney has since joined the carrier strike group ahead of its involvement in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, set to take place in July.
As part of Australia’s contribution to Operation Highmast, the ADF will provide basing and port access for visiting ships and aircraft, integrate ADF units into combined operations in the region and participate in Exercise Bersama Lima alongside Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said the deployment represented a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation with key partners.
“Deploying from Europe to Australia and operating throughout the Indo-Pacific is a significant logistical endeavour that we are proud to support,” VADM Jones said.
“We welcome the carrier strike group’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, which marks the first time a non-US aircraft carrier has taken part in the exercise.”
“Operation Highmast offers critical training and integration opportunities for ADF personnel, ensuring our forces are ready to respond to shared regional challenges.”
HMS Prince of Wales is the first Royal Navy aircraft carrier to enter Australian waters since HMS Illustrious visited Fremantle in 1997.
VADM Jones said the operation reflects Australia’s enduring commitment to regional engagement.
“Operation Highmast strengthens our training and defence cooperation with regional partners, particularly Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States,” he said.
“The ADF and the British Armed Forces have a long-standing and deep defence relationship, and this deployment reinforces that bond.”
“Our two nations share a strong commitment to upholding security, stability and respect for international law – core principles that underpin peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
