Britain’s $3.7B aircraft carriers were meant to take a crowning role in a major NATO exercise — then failed to set sail, twice.
A UK Royal Navy aircraft carrier canceled its launch to join a NATO exercise on Sunday, the second similar failure in a week.
A UK carrier was meant to be a centerpiece of NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercises taking place off the coast of Norway.
Its twin, modern carriers cost some $3.7 billion each. They are among the newest in the world and a clear demonstration of the UK’s aspiration to be a first-rate military.
But neither of them could make it — the first candidate, HMS Queen Elizabeth, broke down on the eve of sailing.
Its replacement, HMS Prince of Wales, was meant to sail on Sunday, but the launch was abruptly pulled.
Sky News reported that crowds had gathered to watch the vessel depart, only to find out that it wouldn’t.
It was due to sail later on Monday instead, per a schedule published each day by its home harbor in Portsmouth, England.
The delay is the latest embarrassment for the Royal Navy after HMS Queen Elizabeth pulled out of the exercise, citing a problem with its starboard propeller shaft.
The Prince of Wales itself underwent months of repairs after breaking down in 2022.
The UK Ministry of Defence did not give a reason for the delayed departure, saying in a statement that the aircraft carrier was due to sail from Portsmouth soon, subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.
From protecting vessels against Houthi militants in the Red Sea to deterring Russian and Chinese aggression, the Royal Navy is seeking a central role in conflict flashpoints across the world.
But critics say that that long-standing government underfunding has impacted the Royal Navy’s combat readiness.
Admiral Lord West, former First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, told Business Insider last week the cuts had had a serious impact on the navy’s ability to respond to global threats.
He listed a series of problems, including an aging fleet of ballistic missile submarines, precariously low weapon stocks and engineering stores, and a gaping lack of personnel. He also said the Royal Navy doesn’t have enough ships, particularly destroyers and frigates.
According to reports, the UK’s aircraft carriers will be dependent on foreign allies for support vessels during the Nato exercises.
HMS Queen Elizabeth entered service in 2017, and the Prince of Wales in 2019, and each cost around $3.7 billion.
This recent setback has raised concerns about the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities and its ability to fulfill its commitments in global conflicts. The repeated failures to set sail with the aircraft carriers highlight the impact of long-standing underfunding on the Navy’s combat readiness.
With the UK aiming to play a significant role in protecting vessels in the Red Sea and countering Russian and Chinese aggression, critics argue that the Royal Navy lacks the necessary resources to fulfill these ambitions. Admiral Lord West expressed his concerns, emphasizing the aging fleet of ballistic missile submarines, inadequate weapon stocks, and a shortage of skilled personnel.
The delayed departure of the HMS Prince of Wales adds to the series of setbacks faced by the Royal Navy. HMS Queen Elizabeth’s withdrawal from the NATO exercise due to a propeller shaft problem dealt a blow to the Navy’s reputation. Moreover, the Prince of Wales experienced its own breakdown last year, requiring extensive repairs.
The UK Ministry of Defence has not provided a reason for the recent delay, leaving speculation as to the cause. However, the scheduled departure is expected to take place soon, subject to tide and weather conditions.
To compound matters, reports indicate that the UK’s aircraft carriers will rely on foreign allies for support vessels during the NATO exercises, raising questions about the Navy’s self-sufficiency.
As the Royal Navy’s most high-profile assets, the $3.7 billion aircraft carriers were intended to showcase the UK’s commitment to maintaining a formidable military presence. However, these recent failures have underscored the challenges faced by the Navy and the need for increased investment to address critical operational shortcomings.
The delayed departure of the HMS Prince of Wales serves as a stark reminder that despite their impressive capabilities, the Royal Navy’s ambitions may be hampered by persistent underfunding and resource constraints. As the global security landscape continues to evolve, it remains crucial for the UK to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of its naval forces in order to fulfill its commitments and protect its national interests.
