HMS Unicorn was an aviation-support ship, distinct from the smaller fleet carriers being developed from related ideas. Those designs offered Dominion navies a less expensive route to sea control after destroyers and cruisers. Joint or consecutive orders could have reduced costs for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, or South Africa. Royal Navy planners were guiding partner navies toward greater capability even when their governments were not yet ready to fund the full progression.
Notable Point · 30:05-38:08
The Royal Navy's path toward Dominion light fleet carriers
HMS Unicorn and early light-carrier studies offered a cheaper route by which Commonwealth navies could progress beyond destroyers and cruisers.