Carriers for a European and global Britain

Britain depends on the global movement of goods and data while also carrying obligations in Europe and NATO. These strategic identities can coexist: carrier forces can protect reinforcement routes and NATO's northern flank while remaining deployable farther afield. Ships can be sent where required and then maintained at home, keeping more of the supporting expenditure in the British economy. Permanent overseas bases require continuing expenditure and access rights that can be affected by the host country's internal politics. Naval mobility is therefore a comparatively economical way for a medium power to preserve global reach without sustaining a permanent base network in every region.