British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will deploy its aircraft carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the High North later this year, marking a show of force as security tensions escalate across Europe.
Speaking on Saturday at the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany, Starmer said the mission would be led by HMS Prince of Wales and carried out jointly with the US, Canada and other NATO allies.
“Today I can announce that Britain will deploy our carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the High North this year, led by HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside the US, Canada and other NATO allies, in a strong show of our commitment to Euro-Atlantic security,” Starmer told the high-profile forum aimed at strengthening European defense and diplomatic ties.
NATO LAUNCHES ARCTIC SECURITY PUSH AS TRUMP EYES TAKEOVER OF GREENLAND
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer takes part in a panel discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 14, 2026. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool via REUTERS)
The High North – a term referring to the Arctic and surrounding regions – has become increasingly strategic amid growing Russian military activity.
The deployment is intended to increase security against potential Russian threats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said BBC news.
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly reiterated his interest in a US takeover of Greenland, citing national security concerns in the Arctic involving Russia and China.
Starmer warned that Moscow’s military build-up could intensify even if a peace deal is reached in Ukraine, arguing that Russia’s rearmament would “only accelerate”.
British Prime Minister outraged after Manchester United co-owner warns country is being ‘colonized’ by migrants
People with umbrellas walk along a pedestrian bridge with the logo of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, southern Germany on February 12, 2026. (THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Europe, he said, must be prepared to “deter aggression” and, if necessary, be prepared to fight.
“We need to build up our hard power because that is the currency of the times,” he said.
The Carrier Strike Group is an international naval task force led by the Royal Navy. According to BBC News, it consists of one aircraft carrier, about 40 aircraft, a frigate, a destroyer, a submarine and a supply ship.
HMS Prince of Wales, an aircraft carrier worth about $3.5 billion, serves as the flagship of the Royal Navy, BBC News reported.
TROOPS FROM EUROPE GO TO GREENLAND IN RAPID TWO-DAY MISSION AS TRUMP AIMES TO TAKE OVER US
Trump has previously threatened tariffs on Britain and other European countries unless an agreement is reached allowing the US to take control of the Danish territory.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer takes part in a panel discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on February 14, 2026. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool via REUTERS)
After meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in late January, Trump announced he would not impose tariffs that would come into effect on February 1 as they formed the “framework of a future deal covering Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic.”
Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday that the administration is “negotiating Greenland now,” adding: “We get along very well with Europe.”
The President was also asked about the Munich Security Conference.
“If it wasn’t for me, they would be paying 2% and not paying,” Trump said of NATO allies. “They pay 5% and they pay. We have a very good relationship with NATO.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The three-day conference in Munich brings together world leaders, defense chiefs and security officials.
