Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:47:34-3:48:53

A third Queen Elizabeth versus two light carriers

A third fleet carrier wins on commonality unless smaller ships add a distinct amphibious role.

F-35BForce GenerationLight Aircraft CarriersNaval StandardisationQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers
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Question

Would Britain gain more from two F-35-capable light carriers or one additional Queen Elizabeth?

Short answer

A third Queen Elizabeth is preferred. Three dock-equipped LHDs would be a different case because they add an amphibious capability.

Notes

A third Queen Elizabeth is preferred because another ship of the same class would make force generation easier. Two Japanese-style light carriers would instead produce a fleet divided between two pairs. Three dock-equipped LHDs alongside the two carriers are a different proposal: the larger group would help justify sustaining another design. Their docks also provide an amphibious capability that the smaller aircraft-carrying destroyers lack.