Jonathan Moyniha – 12th June 2025 at 1:45pm
Carrier Strike Group 25 has joined the Indian Navy in the western Arabian Sea to conduct an exercise on its way down towards Australia.
It comes after RFA Tidespring carried out its first replenishment at sea of the week, as it refuelled New Zealand warship HMNZS Te Kaha in the Gulf of Oman.
CSG25 completed a passing exercise, widely known as a passex, where the ships of the two navies sail together, conducting drills to work on their communications and interoperability.
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The Indian Navy posted images of the Talwar-class frigate INS Tabar in formation with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond.
“UK CSG25 joined the Indian Navy for an exercise in the western Arabian Sea,” the UK Carrier Strike Group said in a social media post on X.
“This marked the strike group’s first major engagement upon sailing into the Indo-Pacific.”
There was also an Indian submarine involved in the drills and an Indian P8 maritime surveillance aircraft.
The frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen separated from CSG25 after the ships left the Red Sea and visited Sri Lanka on a port visit.
The Norwegian vessel is operating well ahead of the wider group.
“The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine ops and professional exchange of officers,” the Indian Navy’s spokesperson wrote in a post on X.
“The joint exercise underscores the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to maritime security and robust bilateral ties.”
The Carrier Strike Group has passed through the Suez Canal.
The deployment, also known as Operation Highmast, involves around 4,500 British military personnel, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.
For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25, click here.
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