NEWS | 20 IMAGES
Editor’s Note:
The MAphotoSG team will be bringing more coverage on CSG25’s Singapore visit. Do check our website regularly for updates!
23 June 2025 – The U.K.’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09), arrived this afternoon at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) for a historic port call. This marks the first time an operational navy vessel has docked at MBCCS and represents a major milestone for the CSG after entering the Indo-Pacific region on 18 June.
CSG25 Deployment
HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s flagship, is currently deployed on CSG25—otherwise known as Operation HIGHMAST—an eight-month deployment involving around 4,000 UK military personnel: 2,500 from the Royal Navy (RN), 592 from the Royal Air Force (RAF), and approximately 900 from the British Army.
While in the wider Indo-Pacific region, CSG25 will participate in major exercises such as Talisman Sabre and Bersama Lima, and conduct port calls in Darwin, the Republic of Korea, and Japan—the last of which will see the CSG host the Pacific Future Forum. The deployment aims to engage with over 30 countries by its conclusion in December.
A key feature of CSG25 is the flexibility of its multinational task force. While led by the UK, it also integrates ships from Canada, Norway, Spain, New Zealand, and soon, Australia. Ships can attach and detach from the CSG based on operational requirements, as seen with the recent integration of HMNZS Te Kaha in the Indian Ocean and the earlier departure of HNoMS Maud in the Red Sea.
Complementing HMS Prince of Wales’ arrival are elements of CSG25 that are concurrently making port calls to Singapore:
- Royal Australian Navy: HMAS Sydney
- Royal Navy: HMS Dauntless, RFA Tidespring
- Royal Norwegian Navy: HNoMS Roald Amundsen
- Royal New Zealand Navy: HMNZS Te Kaha
Other CSG25 units will also be visiting Indo-Pacific partners, including:
- Royal Navy: HMS Richmond (to Indonesia)
- Spanish Navy: ESPS Méndez Núñez (to Indonesia)
- Royal Canadian Navy: HMCS Ville de Quebec (to Malaysia)
Main Highlights of the Singapore Visit
During the Singapore stopover, nearly 20 events will be hosted aboard HMS Prince of Wales, highlighting growth, collaboration, and public diplomacy. These include:
- Defence and Security Industry Day
- UK Science & Technology Symposium
- Expert Panel Event on Global and Regional Security
- Friendly Esports Tournament
- Public Ship Tours
- Reception to celebrate the 60th anniversary of UK-Singapore relations
A senior UK delegation—led by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Sharon Nesmith, and Attorney General Rt Hon Lord Richard Hermer KC—will also be present in Singapore to support and participate in the CSG’s activities.
A Momentous Year for UK-Singapore Relations
During the press briefing on 19 June, British High Commissioner to Singapore His Excellency (HE) Nik Mehta highlighted ambitions for the UK-Singapore relationship as it marks its 60th anniversary this year.
He noted that the relationship is already underpinned by strong foundations: the elevation to a Strategic Partnership in September 2023, the signing of a Green Economy Framework MoU in March 2023, and the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (UKSDEA) established in June 2022.
To drive momentum, Mr Mehta stated, “2025 needs to be a catalyst year,” beginning with the GREAT in the Gardens concert at the Botanic Gardens and culminating with the arrival of CSG25 led by HMS Prince of Wales.
He added that the CSG’s visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions—whose stability he stressed is “indivisible.”
On the unique choice of MBCCS for the port call, Mr Mehta embraced the decision:
“We wanted to make it more accessible, more visible, and provide greater engagement. The ability to see one of the most advanced warships set against one of the world’s most iconic skylines will hopefully create that awe-inspiring moment for visitors coming aboard.”
Public enthusiasm was evident, with 8,000 entries received for the ship tour ballot.
Six Months of Planning
Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen, UK Defence Adviser to Singapore and Head of British Defence Staff Southeast Asia, reflected on the extensive logistical and security planning for this unprecedented port call, and expressed gratitude to the Singaporean authorities.
“When HMS Queen Elizabeth was here in 2021 under Operation FORTIS, it like most visiting warships, was berthed in Changi Naval Base (CNB), with access to facilities. This time, opting for the MBCCS, required planning for the better part of 6 months.”
“This is not something we have done in an isolated UK endeavour, but in full open transparency and partnership with the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Maritime Port Authority (MPA) and a whole host of other agencies within the Singapore system to make this vision a reality.”
Regarding security arrangements, he noted:
Unlike CNB, which is a set up as a military base, “we have worked with RSN and MINDEF and are comfortable that security is absolutely appropriate to enable this nature of ship coming into the cruise centre.”
On CSG25’s significance, the Colonel added:
“2025 is the busiest and most important year for UK defence relationships with Singapore and the wider region.”
He cited examples: RSS Formidable’s recent visit to Canary Wharf in London, CSG elements visiting seven of ten Southeast Asian nations, participation of an aircraft carrier in Exercise Bersama Lima (the first since 1997), HMS Spey’s attendance in IMDEX, and now the CSG’s headline visit to Singapore.
“This provides a clear statement of the importance of the relationship between the UK and Singapore, the partnership we have had, we are moving towards and hopefully the momentum, we would like to continue as partners for the future.”
Trade as a Cornerstone for UK’s New Industrial Strategy
Mr Martin Kent, HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, linked the CSG’s visit to the UK’s new industrial strategy.
“Economic growth—our government’s first mission—is central to this carrier strike group deployment.”
The UK is undergoing significant change: defence spending is expected to increase to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, and R&D investment is set to grow from 4% to 7% of the defence budget by 2030.
Mr Kent underlined the UK’s unwavering commitment to innovation, supported by a thriving ecosystem of small medium sized enterprises alongside large firms, coupled with the new industrial strategy that “will make it quicker, easier, and more profitable to do business in the UK.”
UK trade with the Asia-Pacific increased by 3% in the past year to over £135 billion annually, driven partly by its CPTPP membership. Defence and security exports, a priority sector under the new strategy, exceeded £2.1 billion in 2023 to the region .
This justified hosting the Defence and Security Industry Day aboard the carrier:
“Over 30 businesses are attending this expo-style event in the aircraft carrier’s main hangar, with live demonstrations by innovative UK firms and opportunities to engage with Singaporean and regional stakeholders. New partnerships will also be announced,” Mr Kent said.
He concluded, “Our message is clear: the UK is committed to deepening relationships with Singapore and the Asia-Pacific for mutual prosperity and security.”
The Big Reveal – Arrival Ceremony
On 23 June, a special arrival ceremony welcomed HMS Prince of Wales, graced by British High Commissioner to Singapore HE Nik Mehta, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Sharon Nesmith, and UK Defence Adviser Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen.
Around 350 members of the public and students from local and international schools waved UK and Singapore flags, warmly greeting the first-ever aircraft carrier to berth at MBCCS against the backdrop of Singapore’s skyline.
Adding to the spectacular occasion, the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth performed original pieces such as Gibraltar and Clash of the Dreadnoughts, as well as familiar tunes like the Imperial March.
During a press huddle, Mr Mehta remarked:
“The presence of HMS Prince of Wales at Marina Bay carries powerful symbolism that demonstrates the modernity and dynamism of our relationship with Singapore. Having our carrier in this iconic location – with Singapore’s striking skyline as a backdrop – visually represents how our partnership has evolved and our ambitions for the future.”
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, added:
“It’s brilliant to have arrived into Singapore to celebrate 60 years of relations between the UK and Singapore. I’m looking forward to meeting with our partners in Singapore to showcase our ships, aircraft, and people. And to talk about how we can continue to work together for the next 60 years.”
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