A Rosyth built aircraft carrier will lead a major NATO exercise involving 2,000 members of the Armed Forces.

Exercise Strike Warrior 24 is a training event which will bring together 10 allied nations to practice using the latest equipment and technologies in realistic military scenarios.

Taking place from October 14-27, it will include 13 naval units including frigates, destroyers, tankers and submarines in the waters off the east and west coasts of Scotland.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “This enables allies to make informed decisions about the equipment and services they need. This helps improve capabilities to defend more effectively against emerging threats to the UK and the rest of the world.

“The training event serves as a valuable opportunity for participants to hone their skills, strengthen relationships, and build trust among participating nations.”

 The Rosyth built ship that will lead the exercise is the HMS Prince of Wales.

The £3 billion vessel was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2019, and it left Fife last July after spending nine months in dry dock after undergoing £25 million worth of repairs.

HMS Prince of Wales during Exercise Steadfast Defender.HMS Prince of Wales during Exercise Steadfast Defender. (Image: Royal Navy)

Civil engineers from Babcock helped to repair the propeller shafts along with BAE Systems.

The exercise will also involve a total of 35 aircraft, with some of them operating from RAF Lossiemouth and HMS Gannet at Prestwick.

The 10 NATO nations participating are Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.