Inside the Navy’s £4,000,000,000 HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier | UK News

The UK could deploy its flagship aircraft carrier the HMS Queen Elizabeth to the Red Sea to counter threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the armed forces minister has announced.

James Heappey suggested that a British aircraft carrier could be sent to the region to replace the USS Dwight D Eisenhower when it is returned to America.

The Houthis have continually bombarded commercial ships with drones and missile attacks in recent weeks, which has forced maritime traffic to divert around Africa to avoid the conflict- causing huge delays.

To counter the threat from the militant group, Britain and the US have launched two sets of joint airstrikes on Houthi drone and missile sites in Yemen, and the US has deployed their own battleship, the Eisenhower, to maintain dominance in the region.

But speaking to the House magazine, Heappey said: ‘The Eisenhower can’t stay there forever, and so there’s a thing about just maintaining a carrier presence in the region where we might cooperate with the Americans to provide a capability there.’

The UK has two aircraft carriers designed to carry F-35s – HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth. Both of the flagships are considered to be the jewels of the British Navy’s crown, but what makes them so special?

What is the HMS Queen Elizabeth?

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers, the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy.

Construction of the vessel began in 2009 and was completed in July 2014, with it being officially introduced into the Royal Navy in December 2017. The carrier weighs approximately 65,000 tonnes and measures 280 metres in length, making it one of the most imposing vessels in the Royal Navy’s fleet.

One of ‘Big Lizzie’s’ key features is its flexibility- The ship is equipped to carry up to 40 aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

This allows it to perform a wide range of missions; from air superiority and strike operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The design of the HMS Queen Elizabeth also incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance its survivability and operational effectiveness.

Its advanced sensor suite, including long-range radars and surveillance systems, provides comprehensive situational awareness, enable it to detect and respond to potential threats effectively.

Additionally, the carrier features state-of-the-art defensive systems, including close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and missile defences, to protect against air and missile attacks.

How is it used by the Navy?

As the flagship of the Royal Navy, the HMS Queen Elizabeth enhances their ability to operate globally, serving as a command center for various missions.

The carrier’s versatility allows it to fulfil a number of roles, from leading carrier strike group operations to conducting independent maritime security patrols.

At the heart of the Elizabeth’s operational capabilities lies its role as a central command and control hub for carrier strike group operations. These strike groups, composed of various supporting vessels such as destroyers, frigates, and supply ships, operate in synergy to execute high-intensity combat missions and provide vital humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during crises.

Central to the carrier’s combat effectiveness are its embarked F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets. These cutting-edge aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, enabling them to perform a diverse array of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance. 

The inclusion of the F-35B variant, capable of short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), further enhances the carrier’s operational flexibility, allowing it to operate in confined or austere environments and provide critical support to ground forces.

What is its firepower like?

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is equipped with a formidable array of offensive capabilities, which enable it to project power and deter potential adversaries.

At the heart of its offensive firepower are the embarked F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets, which serve as the carrier’s primary strike assets.

These cutting-edge aircraft are armed with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, including precision-guided bombs, missiles, and advanced targeting systems.

In addition to its fixed-wing aircraft, the HMS Queen Elizabeth also hosts a complement of rotary-wing aircraft, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters and utility helicopters. These aircraft allow the navy to conduct a wide range of missions, from anti-submarine warfare to search and rescue operations.

Complementing its offensive capabilities, the HMS Queen Elizabeth is also equipped with defensive systems to protect itself and its strike group from enemy threats. These include close-in weapon systems (CIWS), surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and electronic warfare (EW) systems, which provide layered protection against air, surface, and subsurface threats.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth’s firepower and offensive capabilities make it a potent force multiplier for the Royal Navy, enabling it to project power, deter aggression, and respond decisively to emerging threats across the globe.

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