The UK is increasing military readiness as the Royal Navy prepares its flagship aircraft carrier for a potential deployment to the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that workers in Portsmouth are preparing HMS Prince of Wales, allowing the vessel to deploy quickly if required.
Officials stressed that no final decision has been made to send the aircraft carrier to the Middle East. However, preparations are under way to ensure the ship can move rapidly if needed.
The Ministry of Defence said the vessel could also be used for other planned operations.
Reports suggest that crews have been alerted to the possibility of deployment and the carrier’s readiness period has been shortened, allowing it to sail sooner if ordered.
If deployed, HMS Prince of Wales would likely operate with a carrier strike group, including escort ships and a submarine.
The aircraft carrier could join HMS Dragon, which is already being sent to the Middle East as part of the UK’s military response to escalating tensions.
The situation in the region has intensified following airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, which reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with other senior figures.
The UK has also expanded its air operations across the region.
The MOD said Royal Air Force aircraft, including Typhoon and F-35 jets, have been conducting patrols over Jordan, Qatar and Cyprus to protect British interests.
An MOD spokesperson said: “We have been bolstering our UK military presence in the Middle East since January, and we have already deployed capabilities to protect British people and our allies in the region, including Typhoons, F-35 jets, air defence systems and an extra 400 personnel into Cyprus.”
The spokesperson added that British aircraft have already been intercepting hostile drones.
“Since the strikes began, we’ve had British jets in the sky shooting down drones and have sent additional assets to the region to further reinforce our air defences, including more Typhoons and Wildcat helicopters with drone-busting missiles.”
“HMS Prince of Wales has always been on very high readiness and we are increasing the preparedness of the carrier, reducing the time it would take to set sail for any deployment.”
As part of the response, the UK has sent additional helicopters and surveillance aircraft to Cyprus.
Two Wildcat helicopters capable of intercepting drones arrived on Friday, while a Merlin helicopter is also being deployed to support surveillance operations.
Meanwhile, the United States has begun using UK bases for defensive operations, with several B‑1 Lancer aircraft arriving at RAF Fairford.
The escalating conflict has prompted evacuation efforts for British nationals.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said more than 160,000 Britons have registered their presence in the Middle East with the government.
Government-chartered flights have already brought thousands of citizens back to the UK, with more than 6,500 people evacuated from the United Arab Emirates since the crisis began.