What is the significance of the HMS Prince of Wales visiting Tokyo?

The HMS Prince of Wales is the first foreign aircraft carrier to make a port call in Tokyo, marking a historic milestone in the deepening defense cooperation between the UK and Japan.

What is the broader context of the UK's engagement in the Indo-Pacific region?

The UK's strategic cooperation with Japan is part of its commitment to be more involved in the economy and security of the Indo-Pacific, a key geopolitical priority.

Home / War and Conflict / Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier Makes Historic Tokyo Port Call

Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier Makes Historic Tokyo Port Call

Q: How are the UK and Japan collaborating on defense projects?

The two countries are partnering with Italy on the development of a new fighter jet, set for deployment by 2035, as part of the Global Combat Air Program.

28 Aug

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Summary

UK and Japan hail "deep strategic alignment" on defense
HMS Prince of Wales is first foreign aircraft carrier to visit Tokyo
UK, Japan, and Italy partner on new fighter jet development

Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier Makes Historic Tokyo Port Call

On August 28, 2025, defense ministers from Japan and the United Kingdom celebrated their deepening strategic partnership as a Royal Navy aircraft carrier made a landmark port call in Tokyo. The HMS Prince of Wales, leading a 12-nation carrier strike group of 4,000 personnel, is the first foreign aircraft carrier to visit the Japanese capital.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey and his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, hailed the historic moment as a new level of defense cooperation between the two countries. Nakatani stated that Japan and the UK are now the "closest security partners in Asia and Europe," with steadily enhanced collaboration.

The two nations are also involved in the development of a new fighter jet, set for deployment by 2035, as part of the Global Combat Air Program that also includes Italy. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the signing of the first international contract for this project by the end of the year.

This strategic cooperation is part of the UK's broader efforts to strengthen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, both economically and in terms of security. The visit of the HMS Prince of Wales represents a significant milestone in the growing defense ties between Japan and the United Kingdom.

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