Q&A · 1:59:00-2:00:00

A second carrier for postwar Spain

Acquiring HMS Leviathan alongside the loaned Cabot would improve Spanish carrier resilience only if Spain could fund aircraft, maintenance, and later replacements.

Aircraft Carriers Fleet Logistics Live Q&A Naval Aviation Spanish Navy

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Question

Would Spain buying HMS Leviathan in 1959 materially change Spanish naval aviation?

Short answer

It would add resilience and experience, but only continued funding for the ship and air group could make the improvement durable.

Notes

A second hull provides more opportunity to sustain flying operations and naval aviation expertise. Buying the carrier is the easy part. Air groups, upkeep, and successive generations of aircraft determine whether the capability lasts.