Busan: A British aircraft carrier has conducted drills in waters off South Korea's port city of Busan, signaling a strengthening of strategic partnership between the two nations, officials said. The 65,000-ton HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier held an aerial capability demonstration in international waters off Busan, involving F-35B stealth fighter jets embarked on the warship.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the British Embassy in Seoul released a statement highlighting the significance of the HMS Prince of Wales' visit to Korean waters. Colin Crooks, the British ambassador to South Korea, stated, "The visit of HMS Prince of Wales to Korean waters highlights the UK's strong commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and showcases the depth of our partnership with Korea."

The drills by Britain's flagship aircraft carrier in waters off South Korea sent a "clear signal: the UK means to deepen its strategic partnership with Korea and to contribute meaningfully to the security architecture of the region," the statement added.

The British aircraft carrier is capable of operating up to 24 F-35B fighter jets and can accommodate 700 crew members and up to 1,600 personnel when aircraft and troops are on board. Following the drills, South Korea and Britain staged joint exercises involving three vessels from each country, aimed at enhancing the navies' interoperability and combined operational capabilities.

Monday's drills were part of the British navy's eight-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific, known as "Operation Highmast." Last month, two British naval vessels, HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring, made port calls in the southern city of Busan as part of the same operation.