In pictures: Chaos leads the pack as HMS Dauntless and HMS Richmond rejoin Carrier Strike Group

The UK's Carrier Strike Group is continuing its global deployment with destroyer HMS Dauntless and frigate HMS Richmond back alongside flagship HMS Prince of Wales.

After a short period of maintenance, HMS Dauntless' ship's company are now back in training to sharpen their air defence role within the formation.

In a post on X, the destroyer said its crew were training to remain the "air defender of choice" for HMS Prince of Wales.

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The post was accompanied by a series of pictures showing a boat transfer with HMS Richmond and flypasts by the ship’s Wildcat helicopter, known as Chaos.

What the strike group has done so far

CSG25 sailed from Portsmouth in April on an eight-month deployment.

Led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, it has taken part in Nato exercises in the Mediterranean, worked with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea, and joined Exercise Talisman Sabre off Australia.

The group has also visited Singapore, Japan and South Korea, hosting ministers and military leaders on board.

The strike group also includes RFA Tidespring and ships from allied nations including Norway, Canada, Spain and New Zealand.

Escorting the carrier

HMS Dauntless is a Type 45 destroyer, fitted with the Sea Viper missile system and acting as the group's dedicated air defender.

Its embarked Wildcat helicopter adds surveillance and strike capability.

HMS Richmond is a Type 23 frigate equipped with the Naval Strike Missile, giving it long-range strike power against both land and sea targets.

The frigate has been a regular escort to the carrier during the deployment.

For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25, click here.