The review describes two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers with one always available, yet its force graphic provides only two F-35 squadrons for carrier and land commitments. It also promises three fleet solid-support ships, although the first steel for RFA Reliant was cut only in December 2025. That construction milestone could not deliver an operational support ship for Force 2025. Eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates and a lighter general-purpose class were intended to retain 19 escorts and eventually grow the fleet. Adapting a carrier for amphibious work also competed with the need for air defence and strike at sea. By the recording date, promised uncrewed aviation still offered a future response to the aircraft shortage rather than an available replacement.
Notable Point · 2:06:18-2:10:56
Force 2025's air-wing and support-ship delivery gap
Force 2025 promised an always-available carrier, more F-35s, new solid-support ships, and replacement frigates, but key supporting programs lagged behind the headline hulls.