It has been confirmed that the aircraft carrier “will be ready” for her planned return to operations by May this year.

In May 2020, Prince of Wales experienced flooding which the Royal Navy described (at the time) as “minor”.

This was followed by more “significant” flooding in October 2020 which caused damage to her electrical cabling. The damage was so bad that the ship was unable to sail to America for training.

She is currently alongside in Portsmouth unable to deploy until repairs are completed.

Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin confirmed the costs of the works in response to a written Parliamentary question from the Labour MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan.

“The estimated incremental cost of the repair work is £3.3 million. Remedial work being conducted on both Queen Elizabeth-class carriers to help prevent a repetition of this event is expected to cost £2.2m.”

When will the vessel be ready for operations?

James Heappey, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, recently stated:

“I can confirm that HMS PRINCE OF WALES will be ready for her planned return to operations by May 2021, when she will undertake activities in UK waters prior to her commencing NATO Command duties in 2022.”

George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison

65 COMMENTS

  1. Well…that proves we can run both carriers at the same time. Now we need to work up an air group to go with her.

  2. What is the time frame for when we could operate both carriers at the same time with decent numbers of F35s? Wiki says 36 is the maximum.

    • Early 2030s at best with our own Airwing, in theory 2024/2025 if we use the OCU and the USMC to make up the numbers on top of 617 ad 809 sqdn. We have to order those additional 12 to get us to 60 for the third frontline unit followed by the other 18 to make up the 72 with some spare for the full 4 squadrons plus the 2nd line squadrons.
      However we also have Project viper in the works so rather than 36 aka 3 squadrons of F-35B it may be closer to 24 F-35B and 12 or more UCAV by the mid 2030s

    • Realistically assuming we had an eventual fleet of 80 the most you’d see embarked if both carriers had to deploy would be 36 on QE and then a smaller number of around 12 on PoW (or vice versa) with the rest of the space being used for ASW or Commando helicopters.

      We haven’t operated carriers with more than 30-35 fast-jets since the 1950s with Korea and Suez – no need to try and max out both with 72 short of WW3!

          • Reading between the lines from various sources my understanding now is that 2x LSS role will be fulfilled temporarily by the conversion of a single LSD for Med and East of Suez Group, plus one LPD unconverted for Northern/Baltic Group

            In time (early 2030s) all of LPD, LSD, LPH and LSS will be replaced by a single class of 6x MRSS that can cover all roles, hence the classification Multi Role. I know Argus isn’t really a LPH but if you work that out it’s a one for one replacement.

          • It looks to me like they’re giving up on even landing anything bigger than a single battalion of squids at once… IF that much.

          • That depends what type of ship MRSS turns out to be and how many. There has been mention of BMT Ellida concept:

            https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/the-future-multi-role-support-ships/

            If it ends up something like that total capacity (Accomodation, LIM, LCU) of 6x MRSS would actually be slightly more than currently, but spread equally over 6 identical ships.

            Obviously a more flexible overall fleet and smaller ships than the LPDs which are too big a target and expensive to run hence one in extended readynes.

            Of course the proposal is still 10 years or more off so who knows what else might change in the meantime!

        • Yes I believe you’re correct on that front, so both carriers will be configured the same.

          But in a large scale operation that required the full spectrum of capabilities it would make logical sense to have each carrier focus on different roles – similar to how in 1982 whilst there was of course some cross over Invincible was primarily tasked with air and anti-submarine defence around the task force whilst the larger Hermes focused more on offensive operations with a larger Harrier squadron and Commando Sea Kings over the islands.

        • Yes a planned £40 m alteration for POW was dropped. Bulwark is scheduled to go into refit later this year. If that goes ahead then an LPH role for PoW seems unlikely. But given the small numbers of F35, it may look like one for a time.

          • Yes, and both carriers will alternative roles as flag ship. With PoW becoming fully operational in 2023, he could pay a visit to Australia then? Maybe the Trade Deal could be ready for signing by then?

            QE will most likely go in for a refit 2023-4 to get her Bedford arrays fitted, and maybe CATs & traps! It maybe be too early of a timeline to get them by 2024?

        • It has but in the scenario where both were available together and an attempt at deploying all aircraft across a large space was planned (Falklands scenario), it is likely to maximise deck space and efficiency they could be used for carrying additional HC4s and other helicopters on top of their strike carrier roles.

    • My own thoughts…. 3 Squadrons or flights of 8 with a wing of 24 and generally operating with 16. So with that, if the air wing can be properly serviced we can have 2 carriers being quite viable and rotate the aircraft.

      But for now I’ve read the PoW is going to test UAVs. May be it will be the first to get suitable catapult…?

      • No plan for a major refit of PoW until at least 2025/6. Most likely a mini bolt-on deck cat can be fitted for launching drones.
        PoW becomes flag ship from 2023 with a world tour!

        QE is to go into refit in 2023.

    • The maximum realistic wartime load even with unlimited aircraft is around 14-16 Merlins (mix of Crowsnest, ASW and a few HC4s) with 36-42 F-35Bs for around 50-60 total.

      36 + 14 is the practical max and that might be possible for one with the current plans in the event of a major Falklands-style conflict where all assets are committed to naval warfare.

      The two are unlikely to operate simultaneously and so appropriate aircraft to support this are not being facilitated.

      • *In terms of dates, getting 36 deployable could happen around late 2020s or early 2030s, but only in a situation where it is the military’s sole priority for the jets. Even with all planned possible aircraft purchased (up to 80), it is not likely we will see 36 deployed together unless it is really needed.

        • Thank you, that seems a long way off, what i don’t quite get from the review is that the carriers are very much the centre of the plans yet what makes it a formidable force is at low numbers with no plans to have sizable numbers anytime soon.
          If we want to be taken seriously especially in the indo Pacific region then we should be looking to have the capability to have both carriers full equipped as soon as possible.

  3. Interesting to see that PWLS will operate in the UK this year and then NATO in 2022, no mention of carrier qualification in the USA, or will that have to be done in the UK now

  4. Great to know we will soon be back to two carriers.

    I’m assuming that sailing both carriers at the same time is a deliberate message. I’m guessing that PoW will sail with a T45 and a T23 (low threat so no need to double up) just to get the message across fully?

    Let’s face it if the cost of fixing and preventatives is only £5M it can’t actually have been that big a deal.

  5. do both carriers now have the Bedford array installed, I thought it was only the POW?

    I do think if you spend 3.2bn on something you should use it to its fullest capability

    32/36 F35b’s should be the normal fit out for these carriers – as crew needs to get used to working with a reasonably loaded carrier, remember these can surge to 70+ each so 36 +12 helicopters isn’t a stretch,also the escorts and RFA can realistically have the helicopter force if need be.

    • Surge doesn’t mean the best air wing though. A carrier with 36-42 F-35Bs + 12-16 helicopters would probably be the most efficient option in terms of combining redundancy with sortie rates.

      No carriers are expected to regularly operate at wartime capacities, though, are none really do. Maybe the Invincible-class, which were often reaching the upper limits of their capacity but then again they were a third of the size of the QE-class so they had a lot more to do.

      • Agreed and let’s not forget all the escorts that can be housed on the assigned escorts / task force fleet.

        personally I like squadrons to be 16 strong as we always despatch pairs or quads on sorties. And I like the 4 on, 4 ready, 4 maintenance, 4 deep maintenance model used by the navy.

  6. Some more potential good news, the AW149 multirole utility helicopter!

    26 MARCH 2021
    Leonardo encouraged by UK commitment to new medium-lift helicopter and national industry

    “Leonardo is encouraged by the UK government’s recent announcements that it is to recapitalise the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) medium-lift helicopter fleet, at the same time as supporting national industry in fulfilling that and other future requirements.”

    https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/leonardo-encouraged-by-uk-commitment-to-new-medium-lift-helicopter-and-national-industry

    • Seems like a very sensible move. It’ll be a good litmus test of how series the UK Government actually is about taking industry and the wider supply chain into consideration with procurement decisions.

    • An excellent beefed up version of a proven and reliable helicopter. These were offered some years ago but it was decided that a Puma update was more cost effective…really. I would like to see a couple of dozen make their way to the AAC and repurpose their Wildcats for the RN.

      • Yes – these have lots of uses. Would expect 1 Combat Air Bde to get some for 16X, also good for VERTREP from the RFAs, and the Special Ops Bde and SF need some. Wildcats can be transferred to RN and RM for new frigates and LSS and to support MCM missions. The RAF Sqn at Akrotiri could go to Army, and have duel role (SAR / Combat Lift) like the Wessex before them. Expect them to replace the SAS and RN Dauphins too.

    • What’s really important is that Leonardo have said they will move the whole AW149 production to the U.K. if the MOD buy the AW149. That’s really big news as this rotor is a really good export opportunity. At present the U.K. production lines are based around the merlin and Wildcat, neither of which are going to generate much in the way of exports.

      plus the fact as medium rotors go the AW149 is a really modern airframe.

  7. It’s pointless to have 2 carriers with each less than 30 jets . Some are acting as if adversaries are not aware of British escort numbers weakness and lack of F35 numbers for their carriers . Someone in a village in the Amazon with internet is aware of that let alone states with intelligence and big militaries

    • Don’t forget for big “exercises” etc, the ships will likely be sailing with a USMC squadron aboard as well as two UK squadrons. At least for the foreseeable future, until the USN replace the Bonhomme Richard.

      • Typical air wing for Charles De Gaulle is usually around 18-24 aircraft. Admittedly they have Hawkeyes which are better individually than Merlin but with just 1-2 at a time it’s not incredible.

      • As I’ve said to people before:

        It’s also worth noting that in addition to what was on the carriers, Atlantic Conveyor carried a mix of Sea Harriers (8) and GR.3s (6). Ten GR.3s made the journey to Ascension, but one had to turn back due to a fault. Of the nine remaining airframes, six went to Atlantic Conveyor, and three were retained at Ascension for local area defence. An additional four were sent on the Contender Bezant (which would become RFA Argus), though I can’t remember what type they were.

        At least 28 Sea Harriers went down south in total (12 on Hermes, 8 on Vince) – the remainder (8) coming from Conveyor.

        But don’t forget the GR.3s, which still played a role in the conflict!

  8. Discussions about the effectiveness of the carriers cannot in my opinion be reduced to numbers of F35s. Drones, missiles, etc. need to come into the mix don’t they? They need to be cheap, cheerful and plentiful. If that is the case the carriers could pack quite a punch?

    • Yes of course. UCAVs, in-flight refuelling and upgrades to F-35 to carry Spear 3, EA, anti-ship and cruise missiles and of course Meteor (and software upgrades in line with USMC) will significantly increase capability. Adding a few more airframes will have less effect if they can’t field the full range of capabilites and weapons.

  9. If anybody would like a read I’ve put a couple of ideas forward in East of Suez and the Royal Navy under Analysis Opinion. I’m not trying to plug me…I’m just trying to avoid typing it again.

  10. These ships were over 3 billion there should give them a full air group so there can be used to there full potential .Been told of cuts to come so for God’s sake do not mess this up for RN ,and would love to see air group all British.

    • Having 2 carrier’s means 1 will be available 365 to deploy. And to work around refits and maintenance. So we always have a carrier available. unlike the French.

  11. Realistically a carrier can operate for about 200 days a year but we can have both carriers in service overlapping.and we could manage with 55 to 60 F35,s, all R.N.
    The on station ship would operate with two squadrons of ten F35’s (U.S.pattern), alongside a USMC squadron of ten. Merlin ASW and AEW.
    The second or supporting carrier would carry a nominal squadron of ten F35’s plus Merlin. Another 15 to 20 air frames to provide for an OCU, and a fourth squadron allowing for rotation and surge situations.

  12. Wow… These 2 x white elephants great pieces of engineering they are having been built in Scotland…
    They will be just about ready to sail functionally when it will be time to sell them to Chile, India or any other country…. Waste of time and money

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