From littoral strike ships to a three-LHD force

Could Britain fund a third Queen Elizabeth-class carrier, or is another flight-deck solution more likely?

A third fleet carrier is unlikely, but three LHDs derived from the littoral-strike requirement could provide additional F-35B-capable decks.

The answer doubts that Britain will fund another fleet carrier in the next several decades. It instead follows the expanding language around littoral strike ships and compares it with Australia's path toward the Canberra class. Three LHDs with ski jumps could support F-35B operations when needed. Combined with the two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, that force would make it easier to keep at least two flight decks available.