In a significant geopolitical move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at the Munich Security Conference that the UK will deploy its aircraft carrier group to the North Atlantic and the High North this year. This deployment, led by the HMS Prince of Wales, is part of 'Operation Firecrest' and aims to counter Russian threats in the Arctic region. Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to Euro-Atlantic security, stating, 'We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age.' The operation will involve thousands of personnel and include Royal Navy warships, F-35 jets, and helicopters, operating alongside the US, Canada, and other NATO allies (Business Recorder, AFP News Agency). The Ministry of Defence highlighted a 30% increase in Russian naval activity threatening UK waters over the past two years, underscoring the urgency of this deployment.