World · 7 March 2026
Royal Navy carrier on 5-day notice amid Middle East tensions
The Royal Navy has increased the readiness of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, reducing her notice to sail to five days, amid the deepening Middle East conflict with Iran. The move shortens deployment time should the government decide additional naval forces are needed, though it does not guarantee deployment. The carrier has returned from the eight-month Operation Highmast, which concluded in December, and is undergoing maintenance.
Reported by BBC News · How we write briefs