Key Facts

• The HMS Prince of Wales, a British aircraft carrier, took part in defense drills with the Indian air force.
• The exercise happened in the Arabian Sea and involved testing defenses against jet attacks.
• The Royal Navy launched F-35B stealth fighter jets from the carrier, while India used Su-30 and Jaguar jets.
• The drills involved mock dogfights, where planes practice combat against each other at close range.
• The Prince of Wales is on an eight-month mission as part of a European initiative in the Pacific.
• The carrier has also conducted exercises with Japan and participated in maneuvers in the South China Sea.
• Commodore James Blackmore praised the collaboration with Indian forces as a sign of strong partnership.
• China has shown military advancements, including anti-ship missiles capable of high speeds, which are a concern for ship defenses.