Munich Security Conference: UK Announces Deployment of Aircraft Carrier Battle Group to the North Atlantic to Deter Russia
UK Prime Minister Starmer announced on Saturday, February 14, at the Munich Security Conference that the UK will deploy an aircraft carrier battle group led by the "Prince of Wales" to the North Atlantic and the "High North" region this year to strengthen deterrence against Russia and enhance security deployments in the Europe-Atlantic direction. AFP noted that France also plans to deploy its aircraft carrier battle group in the relevant sea areas in 2026.
AFP reported that Starmer announced at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, "The UK will deploy an aircraft carrier battle group to the North Atlantic and the High North region this year, centered around the 'Prince of Wales,' and will act in coordination with the US, Canada, and other NATO allies."
Starmer stated that this deployment is a specific action by the UK to maintain Europe-Atlantic security.
The UK Ministry of Defence subsequently issued a statement indicating that the deployment will include Royal Navy ships, F-35 fighter jets, and helicopters, with the aim of "detering Russia and protecting critical undersea infrastructure."
The statement also revealed that the number of Russian vessels threatening British waters has increased by 30% over the past two years.
John Healy, the UK Defence Secretary, stated in the statement that this deployment will "keep the UK ready for action, enhance our contribution to NATO, and strengthen joint operational capabilities with key allies, ensuring the security of the UK homeland and enhancing its overseas power projection capabilities."
The North Atlantic is seen as an important area for Russian submarine activity. Submarines from the Russian Northern Fleet and Baltic Fleet must pass through the strategic corridor between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK - the "GIUK Gap" (Greenland-Iceland-UK) - to reach the Atlantic. This area has been under close monitoring by NATO allies for a long time.
AFP noted that France also plans to deploy its aircraft carrier battle group in the relevant sea areas in 2026.
In addition, the US government has recently pressured Denmark and Europe, expressing interest in "acquiring" Greenland to strengthen control over Arctic security and accusing Copenhagen and European countries of insufficient action in addressing threats from Russia and China in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.
Starmer emphasized at the meeting that Europe must strengthen its "hard power" and be prepared for combat when necessary. He stated that European countries should enhance their own defense capabilities and demonstrate determination when facing threats.
Before Starmer's speech, European Commission President von der Leyen also stated at the Munich Security Conference that the EU must fulfill its common defense obligations established by treaties. She pointed out that common defense is not an option but an obligation stipulated by the treaty, a collective commitment of member states to support each other when attacked, reflecting the "each for all, all for each" spirit of Europe.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857270316928012/
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