In the recent past, the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy has had significant difficulties maintaining its fleet of Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. With unending delays and maintenance issues, there always seems to be at least one carrier out of action. With the UK cutting its defense budget, there was discussion in 2024 over the possibility of mothballing or even selling one of Britain’s carriers.
While that tide has passed, the issue of the UK’s carriers is worth looking into.
The Royal Navy is Running a Tight Ship: Queen Elizabeth-Class Struggling
The UK government has faced significant budgetary pressures, with defense spending considered a central area of concern. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has seen its budget increase to £56.9 billion for the 2024/25 financial year, with plans to reach £59.8 billion by 2025/26.
Despite this increase, the cost of maintaining and operating two aircraft carriers is substantial. Each carrier costs billions to build and millions to operate annually. Mothballing one could be seen as a cost-saving measure, allowing funds to be redirected to other defense priorities or public services.
The ongoing Strategic Defense Review, set to report in 2025, will play a crucial role in determining the future of the two carriers. This review, led by former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, aims to reassess the UK’s defense strategy in light of current global threats and fiscal constraints.
Mothballing the carrier could be recommended if the review identifies other priorities or cost-saving measures.
The review will consider the UK’s commitments to NATO, its role in global security, and the need to modernize its armed forces.
The UK’s Unending Aircraft Carrier Nightmare
Both carriers have faced mechanical issues and periods of inactivity. HMS Prince of Wales, for instance, has experienced significant mechanical problems that required extensive repairs. If these issues persist, the MoD might consider placing one carrier in “extended readiness,” effectively mothballing it.
This status would allow the Royal Navy to focus its resources on maintaining the operational readiness of the remaining carrier.
The UK’s strategic position and commitments to NATO and other alliances will heavily influence the decision. Maintaining two operational carriers could be deemed essential with rising global tensions and the expansion of naval powers like China.
The carriers play a crucial role in the UK’s ability to project power globally and contribute to international stability. Mothballing one could weaken the UK’s global presence and its ability to respond to crises.
Should the UK Lose one of its Queen Elizabeth-Class Carriers?
Crazy as it may sound, there are several arguments in favor of mothballing one of the carriers. Cost savings are significant, as mothballing one carrier would reduce operational and maintenance costs. Each carrier costs billions to build, and millions annually to operate, and redirecting these funds could support other defense priorities or public services.
Resource allocation is another consideration, as the Royal Navy faces challenges in staffing and supporting two carriers simultaneously. Mothballing one would allow for better allocation of resources, ensuring the remaining carrier is fully operational and well-supported.
Mechanical issues also play a role, as both carriers have experienced problems requiring extensive repairs. Mothballing one could mitigate the risk of operational disruptions and allow for focused maintenance on the active carrier.
Furthermore, placing a carrier in extended readiness provides strategic flexibility. Mothballing a carrier does not necessarily mean scrapping it. It merely means putting it away for later use. The Royal Navy can reactivate the carrier if needed, allowing the UK to respond to emerging threats without the immediate financial burden of maintaining two active carriers.
While this may allow the carrier to fall into disrepair, it could be an alternative to wasting money on continual maintenance or scrapping it outright.
Aircraft Carriers are Highly Valuable
However, there are also strong arguments against mothballing one of the carriers. Strategic deterrence is a key consideration, as aircraft carriers are a symbol of naval power and strategic deterrence.
Mothballing one could weaken the UK’s global presence and its ability to project power, potentially emboldening adversaries and undermining the UK’s commitments to NATO and other alliances.
Operational redundancy is another factor, as having two carriers ensures that if one is undergoing maintenance or repairs, the other can still fulfill operational duties. Mothballing one would leave the UK vulnerable to gaps in carrier availability. Geopolitical stability is also a concern, as the global security environment is increasingly volatile, with rising tensions in regions like the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining two carriers allows the UK to contribute to international stability and respond to crises more effectively.
Finally, national prestige is important, as aircraft carriers are a source of national pride and prestige. Mothballing could be perceived as weakening the UK’s naval capabilities and standing on the world stage.
While there are several arguments in favor of mothballing one of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, given the current geopolitical landscape, I would choose to maintain both carriers. Fortunately, it seems Brittain has reached the same conclusion and has decided not to sell or mothball any of its carriers.
However, such a decision was even possible at one point, which testifies to the decline of the UK’s naval strength—a significant fall for the navy that once ruled the seas with an iron fist.
Author Information and Biography
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
