Reference Message Network reported on April 9 according to the website of the "Nikkei Asian Review" on April 9. The British Ministry of Defense announced on the 8th that the aircraft carrier strike group centered on the "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier would set sail for the "Indo-Pacific" region on the 22nd. The strike group is expected to dock at Japanese ports in the summer and will conduct joint exercises with Japan, Australia and other countries.

The report said this is Britain's second dispatch of an aircraft carrier strike group to the "Indo-Pacific" region. The last one occurred in 2021 when the "Queen Elizabeth" aircraft carrier was sent to the "Indo-Pacific".

The "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier will depart from Portsmouth, UK on the 22nd. The carrier is equipped with stealth fighters F-35B and escorted by destroyers and supply ships.

The report said that during the 8-month deployment period, 2500 navy personnel, 592 air force personnel, and 900 army personnel will be mobilized to participate in the operation.

The strike group will head to Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan via the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. In addition to being accompanied by Norwegian warships, Canada and Spain will also provide support. The fleet will conduct joint exercises with Japan, the United States, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries.

It was reported that Japanese Minister of National Defense Gen Nakaya and British Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace held talks in London in January to discuss the issue of "protection of weapons". Specifically, when a country sends an aircraft carrier strike group, the Self-Defense Forces will provide protection for foreign warships and aircraft. If the "protection of weapons" applies to the UK, it will be the first time for a European country to become an applicable object. The UK will be the third country after the United States and Australia to apply for the "protection of weapons" mission. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7491194504884650547/

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