Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:05:58-2:06:07

Why Britain did not offer HMS Leviathan to Spain

Political hostility toward Franco's regime is offered as the likely reason Britain did not sell the incomplete light carrier Leviathan to Spain.

Francisco FrancoHMS LeviathanMajestic Class Aircraft CarriersSpanish NavyWarship Exports
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Question

Why did Britain not offer HMS Leviathan to Spain?

Short answer

Probably because Britain had little desire to strengthen Franco's Spain with a carrier transfer.

Notes

A carrier transfer depends on political alignment as well as the availability of a hull. Britain's poor relationship with Francisco Franco is the likely obstacle. Selling the incomplete Majestic-class Leviathan would have strengthened a regime Britain did not wish to assist. The answer is explicitly a probable political explanation rather than a documented sale negotiation.