The UK will deploy a Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and High North in 2026 under Operation Firecrest, in what the Ministry of Defence describes as a major show of force aimed at deterring Russian aggression and protecting critical undersea infrastructure.

The deployment will be led by HMS Prince of Wales and will include warships, F-35 aircraft and helicopters, as part of a broader effort to strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture in the Euro-Atlantic and Arctic regions.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the move comes amid growing concern over increased Russian naval activity in the North Atlantic. The government claims there has been a “30% increase in Russian navy vessels threatening UK waters” over the past two years.

The strike group is expected to operate closely with the United States, including activity off the North American East Coast and a port visit in the US. The MOD said American aircraft are also expected to operate from the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales during the deployment.

Operation Firecrest will also contribute to NATO’s new Arctic Sentry mission, launched this week, with the government citing the strategic impact of melting sea ice opening new routes and increasing the risk of hostile activity in the High North.

The MOD highlighted concerns around Russian operations in the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) gap, as well as the vulnerability of undersea cables and pipelines.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the deployment would reinforce British leadership in the region.

“I’m proud that we’re stepping up UK leadership on High North and Atlantic security,” Healey said.

“This deployment will help make Britain warfighting ready, boost our contribution to NATO, and strengthen our operations with key allies, keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad.”

The operation will involve thousands of personnel across all three armed services. The MOD said the Carrier Strike Group will also exercise alongside NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group1, which will be led by the UK throughout 2026, with HMS Dragon acting as the command ship.

Parts of the deployment will fall under NATO command and will include cooperation with Joint Force Command Norfolk, which the government said is expected to be led by a British officer for the first time.

Operation Firecrest follows the UK’s 2025 carrier deployment to the Indo-Pacific, which the MOD said involved more than 1,000 F-35 sorties and engagement with over 30 nations, and resulted in the Carrier Strike Group being declared fully “mission ready” for NATO operations.