F-35Bs refueled and took off from HMS Prince of Wales for the first time before the Talisman Sabre exercises

In 2025, an important event took place within the framework of international military cooperation: F-35B stealth fighters of the United States Marine Corps successfully completed refueling and takeoff operations from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. This was part of his large—scale flagship campaign conducted as part of Operation High Mast, the key aircraft carrier deployment of the British Royal Navy this year.

These operations took place on the eve of one of the largest multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, Talisman Sabre, which underlines the strategic importance of this event. The participation of the F-35B in joint operations with the British flagship demonstrates the high degree of interoperability of the allied forces and the strengthening of their presence in a critically important region.

The British Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, embarked on an eight-month mission that will take place from the Mediterranean Sea, through the Indian Ocean, and end off the Pacific coast. Such a deeply symbolic and tactically significant deployment is aimed at strengthening defensive ties, demonstrating strength and increasing combat readiness in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

The participation of American fifth-generation fighters in logistical and combat operations with the British aircraft carrier also serves as a prime example of transatlantic partnership and technological synchronization. The joint actions of the F-35B and HMS Prince of Wales have shown the effectiveness of integrating the advanced systems and capabilities of the two countries into a single combat structure.

US military aviation buildup on Diego Garcia Island indicates increased readiness for operations in the Indian Ocean

 New satellite images show a significant concentration of military aircraft at Diego Garcia Air Base in the Indian Ocean, including B-52 strategic bombers, KC-135 tankers, F-15 fighter jets and a C-5M heavy transport aircraft. There are two to four B-52H bombers at the base, as well as several B-2A Spirit strategic stealth bombers, the number of which has recently increased to six. To ensure their operation, C-17A and C-5M transport aircraft, as well as numerous KC-135 tankers, have been deployed to the base.

This build-up of aviation forces is associated with increased readiness for possible operations in the face of growing regional tensions, especially in the context of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the threat from Iran. The United States uses Diego Garcia as a key outpost for strikes against targets in Yemen and potentially for operations against Iran. The deployment of modern strategic bombers and fighters demonstrates a demonstration of strength and readiness to respond quickly to threats in the region.

The Pentagon has not officially disclosed the details of the operations, calling them part of regular global exercises and threat deterrence measures. Nevertheless, experts note that the concentration of such powerful air forces at the base is a signal to Iran and other regional players about the seriousness of the United States' intentions to ensure security and stability in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

Thus, satellite data confirm a significant increase in the US military presence on Diego Garcia Island, reflecting the strategic importance of this base and the readiness of the US armed forces for possible large-scale operations in the region.

The Chinese company MizarVision has published a satellite image of the US base on Diego Garciа

 

On May 15, 2025, the commercial Chinese satellite company MizarVision took and published a highly detailed image of the joint British-American military base on the island of Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean. The photo clearly shows the US Air Force planes parked on the runway.

This island is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and has played a key strategic role for the United States since the middle of the twentieth century. The Diego Garcia base serves as an important logistical and operational hub for the U.S. military, especially in the context of operations in South Asia and the Middle East.

The appearance of a detailed image obtained by a private Chinese company has aroused interest from analysts and satellite surveillance experts. Such images are becoming an indicator of the growth of China's commercial space industry and its ability to collect information previously available only to government agencies or large Western companies.

Although the publication does not contain classified information, it demonstrates how commercial Earth remote sensing technologies are increasingly being used to monitor strategic sites. This can have implications for global security and international transparency.

B-52 joins B-2 at Diego Garcia: 10 bombers are now stationed on a strategic island in the Indian Ocean

 

B-52

Several B-52 strategic bombers were sent to the Diego Garcia strategic military base in the Indian Ocean, which joined the B-2 Spirit already stationed there. Thus, the total number of heavy bombers on this key island has reached ten, which is the highest figure in recent years.  

This measure to strengthen the US military presence in the region is seen as a response to the tense situation in the Middle East region and activity from Iran and its allies, such as the Yemeni Houthis. Earlier, President Donald Trump repeatedly warned Tehran about supporting radical groups, saying that Washington would not allow threats against American interests.  

Although the arrival of the B-52 indicates an increase in strategic capabilities, sources note that some of the **B-2** stationed at Diego Garcia for several weeks may soon return to bases in the United States. This rotational approach makes it possible to maintain high combat readiness without the constant presence of expensive aircraft in the zone of possible stress.

Diego Garcia plays a key role in U.S. Air Force operations in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, providing rapid response to threats in vast spaces. Given the geopolitical instability, the presence of ten bombers there at once is a signal for both allies and potential opponents.

The US is concentrating B-2 Spirit bombers in Diego Garcia amid growing tensions

 The United States has concentrated B-2 Spirit bombers in Diego Garcia.

The United States is deploying aircraft to an outpost in the Indian Ocean as threats to Iran intensify and the bombing of the Houthis continues.Satellite images show that at least three C-17 cargo planes and 10 aerial refueling aircraft have been deployed in the last 48 hours.

Additional air traffic control records show that additional B-2s, using the call sign Abba, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri earlier today, also bound for Diego Garcia. All 20 B-2 bombers of the Air Force are based in Whiteman.

B-2 Spirit bomber

China strengthens Pakistan: new submarines and the arms race in South Asia

 

China continues to strengthen military-technical cooperation with Pakistan by delivering a second Hangor-class submarine under a $5 billion contract providing for the transfer of eight such vessels. This move not only modernizes Islamabad's naval forces, but also strengthens Beijing's position in the Indian Ocean, where China seeks to dominate.  

Submarines as a key element  

Hangor-class submarines equipped with modern missile systems are capable of striking at a considerable distance, which significantly changes the balance of power in the region. Pakistan, which has historically been inferior to India in military capabilities, is now receiving technologies capable of closing this gap. China has already supplied Pakistan with JF-17 fighter jets and ballistic missiles, and the new submarines will complement the arsenal, in which 75% of the country's tank forces are Chinese-made.  

The geopolitical context: the India-Pakistan-China triangle 

The strategic partnership between Pakistan and China is aimed at counterbalancing India, with which both countries have difficult relations. Beijing supports Islamabad on Kashmir issues, and New Delhi, in turn, is strengthening ties with the United States and Japan. Chinese investments in the Pakistani army, including missile technology, are increasing tensions in the region, where the risk of conflict escalation remains high.  

The role of the United States and the future of the arms race  

Despite Pakistan's cooperation with the United States in the fight against terrorism, Islamabad remains committed to rapprochement with China. This raises questions about the balance of power in South Asia, where India, with its own nuclear triad, sees Pakistan's strengthening as a threat to its security. Experts point out that further Chinese arms shipments could trigger a new phase of the arms race, shifting the focus towards high-tech systems.