Fact Check: "The British F-35B fighter jet is part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, which is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific and recently conducted joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy."
What We Know
The HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, is indeed part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. This deployment is part of Operation Highmast, which aims to enhance Britain's strategic presence in the area. The carrier group includes F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, which are designed for short takeoff and vertical landing, making them suitable for operations from aircraft carriers like the HMS Prince of Wales (source, source).
Recently, the HMS Prince of Wales conducted joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy in the North Arabian Sea. This exercise took place on June 9 and 10, 2025, and involved various operations, including anti-submarine warfare and tactical maneuvers, underscoring the growing cooperation between the UK and India in maritime security (source, source).
Analysis
The claim that the British F-35B fighter jet is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group and that this group is deployed in the Indo-Pacific is supported by multiple credible sources. The Royal Navy's official communications confirm the deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales along with its F-35B jets in the Indo-Pacific as part of a broader strategy to engage with regional partners (source, source).
Additionally, reports from the Indian Navy and other defense news outlets corroborate the details of the joint exercises conducted with the Indian Navy, emphasizing the significance of these operations in enhancing bilateral ties and maritime security (source, source).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, including official military communications and reputable defense journalism outlets. They provide detailed accounts of the exercises and the strategic objectives behind the deployment, which adds to their credibility.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that the British F-35B fighter jet is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, which is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific and has recently conducted joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy, is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms both the deployment and the joint exercises, highlighting the UK's commitment to strengthening its maritime presence and partnerships in the region.
Sources
- UK's F-35 jets target full operating capability on landmark mission ... Royal Navy
- F-35 Test Team, HMS Prince of Wales Ship's Company Working Closely to ... U.S. Navy
- Indian Navy meets British carrier group in Indian Ocean UK Defence Journal
- British F-35 makes emergency landing at ... India Sentinels
- HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group Sails for CSG 25 Deployment The Aviationist
- Indian Navy, UK Carrier Strike Group carry out Passage ... New Indian Express
- UK 809 Squadron makes historic debut with F-35B jets on HMS Prince of Wales Army Recognition
- U.K. Carrier HMS Prince of Wales Leaves for 8-month Pacific ... USNI News
