The Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, arrived at the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, on Tuesday, marking its first-ever port call in Japan and underscoring the deepening defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Japan.
The 65,000-ton aircraft carrier, accompanied by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, is on a regional deployment aimed at bolstering security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. HMS Dauntless docked at a nearby base operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), symbolising the close operational ties between the two navies.
British and Japanese officials hailed the visit as a significant milestone in a relationship that has grown rapidly in recent years. The two countries signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2023, enabling smoother logistics and joint training between their armed forces.
Rear Admiral James Parkin, Commander of the U.K.’s Littoral Strike Group, said the visit reflected a shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“The Royal Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are like-minded partners,” Parkin said. “Our presence here demonstrates that the U.K. is serious about its Indo-Pacific tilt and about working closely with Japan to address common security challenges.”
The port call comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, with increased activity from Chinese and North Korean forces. Japan has been stepping up defense cooperation with partners beyond its traditional U.S. alliance, and the United Kingdom has positioned itself as a reliable, enduring presence in the region.
Vice Admiral Akira Saito of the JMSDF welcomed the British ships and their crews, noting that joint exercises during the visit would further strengthen operational interoperability.
“Our partnership with the Royal Navy has never been stronger,” Saito said. “This visit will deepen mutual understanding and enhance our ability to work together effectively in the maritime domain.”
The deployment also serves as a backdrop to broader strategic collaboration. Japan, the U.K., and Italy are jointly developing a next-generation fighter aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with the aim of introducing it into service by 2035. Defense analysts say the joint venture highlights how security and industrial cooperation are increasingly intertwined.
British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom described the carrier’s arrival as “a powerful symbol” of bilateral relations.
“Our nations share not just values, but a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said. “Whether at sea or in the skies, the U.K. and Japan are working hand in hand to shape the security environment for decades to come.”
During the visit, HMS Prince of Wales is expected to host Japanese dignitaries, defense officials, and members of the public for ship tours. The Royal Navy and JMSDF will also conduct joint drills off the Japanese coast, involving carrier strike operations, anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian response training. For Tokyo and London, the message is clear: their maritime partnership is here to stay, and the arrival of HMS Prince of Wales in Yokosuka is just the beginning of a new chapter in their defense cooperation.
