ADF to Support UK-Led Strike Group in Major Indo-Pacific Mission

Australia is deepening its military cooperation with the UK as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) supports a UK-led carrier strike group deployment through the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast.

The eight-month mission, involving forces from 12 nations, features the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales and two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II jets. The deployment underscores growing defence ties between Australia and its allies amid rising regional tensions.

ADF support includes integration of Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney into the strike group, maritime surveillance by an RAAF P-8A Poseidon in the North Indian Ocean, and shared use of Australian ports and bases.

Vice Admiral Justin Jones, chief of joint operations, said the deployment offers a valuable opportunity for collaboration and readiness.

“Deploying from Europe to Australia and sailing throughout the Indo-Pacific represents a significant logistical undertaking that we are proud to support,” he said.

The strike group’s involvement in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 next month will mark the first time a non-U.S. aircraft carrier has joined the biennial exercise, adding further depth to allied coordination.

“Operation Highmast presents an opportunity for training and integration of ADF personnel that ensures our respective workforces are prepared to respond to shared challenges,” Vice Admiral Jones said.

Australia to Deploy Wedgetail to Europe

The announcement comes a week after Australia revealed plans to deploy a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August as part of NATO-led efforts to safeguard a critical corridor facilitating aid to Ukraine.

Responding to a formal request from NATO and Poland, the aircraft will assist in protecting a vital gateway used to deliver both humanitarian and military support to Kyiv.

In addition, up to 100 ADF personnel will accompany the aircraft under Operation Kudu. The mission is expected to run until November 2025.

“The deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will again showcase our ability to operate from Europe, alongside NATO and partners, in support of Ukraine and international peace and security,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.

Expanding Support for Ukraine, NATO

Australia’s latest deployment builds on more than $1.5 billion in military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

The move coincides with the Albanese government’s announcement of a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, including financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals, and penalties on seven Russian entities involved in defence, energy, insurance and disinformation.

“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.

Australia has also strengthened ties with NATO through a new agreement signed with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO).

The deal will enable the ADF to collaborate more closely with NATO members on joint procurement, logistics and capability development.

Marles described the NSPO agreement as opening the door to new defence partnerships.
“Signing the NSPO Agreement opens the door to new partnerships for us to deliver capability and operational responsiveness for the Australian Defence Force,” he said.