From Malta-class conversions to British nuclear carriers

How long would Malta-class carriers serve, and when would Britain build larger successors?

Modernised Maltas might last into the 1980s or 1990s, followed by nuclear carriers if Britain retained a global large-carrier role.

Angled-deck Malta carriers entering service in the 1950s could remain useful into the 1980s or 1990s, much like the Midway class. Their successors would depend on later defence reviews and Britain's decision about retaining a global carrier role. Continued membership in the large-carrier club would make a British response to France's Charles de Gaulle likely. One plausible programme would announce four nuclear carriers and complete three.