Queen Elizabeth has commissioned a new aircraft carrier bearing her name - the UK's biggest and most advanced warship
It is still undergoing sea trials and will not be fully operational for several years. It will head to the US late next year for initial flight trials. US F-35 jets have already practiced taking off on ski-jump style ramps like that on the Queen Elizabeth.
The UK's first sea lord, Adm. Philip Jones, said that with the new carrier "Britain has confirmed her place among the world's great maritime powers."
The ship, which cost roughly 3 billion pounds, or $4 billion, took eight years build. Its construction took place in six cities and involved 10,000 people. The 919-foot, 65,000 metric ton ship can operate with a crew of 1,000 and 40 aircraft. Along with sister ship HMS Prince of Wales, it is part of a defense program worth $7.65 billion.
The UK has been without any carrier-strike capability since 2010, when its earlier ships were scrapped as part of austerity measures.
Source: AFP
The carrier's development and trials were dogged by controversy. Questions were raised about the need for a massive carrier in light of the UK's reduced military role in the world. Problems with the US-made F-35 fighter jet, which is to be deployed on the carrier, also marred the project.
Source: AFP
The carrier also attracted attention amid ongoing tensions between Moscow and NATO member countries. Over the summer, the UK defense minister and his Russian counterpart exchanged barbs about their respective carriers, and during the Queen Elizabeth's sea trials in June, a Russian submarine was spotted shadowing the drills.
Then-UK Defense Minister Michael Fallon called Russia's sole aircraft carrier "dilapidated" and said Moscow likely looked at two carriers Britain was building with "a little bit of envy." In response, the Russian Defense Ministry touted their carrier's defenses and called the Queen Elizabeth "nothing but a big, convenient target in the sea."
Source: Business Insider
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