A 1993 Guardian story alleged that British engineers visiting the carrier were MI6 operatives seeking information about nuclear shielding. Rolls-Royce's stated consulting role supplies a reason for British reactor specialists to be involved in the French-led programme. The engineering arrangement is described as a primary design team supported by an external team checking its work. A recollection of a separate British naval-architect visit describes how quickly specialists could recognize design choices because they knew what to look for. Ordinary technical consultation and professional observation offer an alternative explanation to the espionage allegation.
Notable Point · 20:35-23:25
Why technical expertise matters when judging espionage claims
A 1993 Guardian allegation about British spies inspecting the carrier is questioned against the consulting work of reactor engineers and the observational skills of naval architects.