HMS Prince of Wales practises submarine hunting before Arctic deployment with F-35 jets

HMS Prince of Wales has carried out anti-submarine warfare training in the North Atlantic before heading towards the Arctic with F-35 fighter jets.

The Royal Navy flagship linked up with HMS Duncan and RFA Tidespring during Operation Firecrest, with Merlin Mk2 helicopters flying from the carrier as part of the task group.

The helicopters were loaded with Sting Ray training variant torpedoes for the submarine-hunting drills.

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The training included day and night serials and intensive deck landing qualifications.

HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer, and RFA Tidespring, a fleet tanker, have joined the deployment as HMS Prince of Wales leads a Royal Navy-led task group into the North Atlantic and Arctic.

The Carrier Strike Group will also include RAF and Royal Navy F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets.

The deployment comes against the backdrop of increased Russian military activity in the North Atlantic.

The MOD has said there has been a 30% increase over the past two years of Russian navy vessels in UK waters.

Operation Firecrest is focused on the High North and Euro-Atlantic region, with the UK working alongside Nato allies, Standing Nato Maritime Group 1 and Joint Expeditionary Force partners.