Royal Navy

Force in Play

Preparing Operation Firecrest deployment to North Atlantic and Arctic

For six decades, the Munich Security Conference has served as the West's annual gathering to coordinate defense policy. This year's 62nd conference concluded on February 15, 2026, with NATO allies announcing concrete military commitments—including Britain's Operation Firecrest carrier deployment to the Arctic—while navigating strained relations with Washington and preparing for President Trump's April visit to China.

Updated Feb 15

Force in Play

Preparing Operation Firecrest carrier deployment

Britain is sending its largest warship to the Arctic. On February 14, 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at the Munich Security Conference that HMS Prince of Wales will lead a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and High North—Operation Firecrest—operating alongside the United States, Canada, and Nordic allies under NATO's new Arctic Sentry mission.

Updated Feb 14