UK Defence Journal

By George Allison

29 November 2024

Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/why-aircraft-carriers-are-essential-to-the-united-kingdom/

Some critics view aircraft carriers as expensive “white elephants,” questioning their relevance in modern defence and highlighting their substantial costs.

In an age of cyber threats, asymmetric warfare, and advanced missile technology, some argue that these vast ships may be vulnerable or even unnecessary. Yet, for the United Kingdom, aircraft carriers remain essential, I’ll explain why.

Far from being outdated, these formidable vessels are a cornerstone of Britain’s defence strategy and its influence on the global stage. Aircraft carriers offer unmatched mobility and operational flexibility, enabling the projection of power across vast distances without reliance on foreign bases.

They are tools of diplomacy, showcasing resolve, strengthening international partnerships, and safeguarding the UK’s economic and security interests.

The Basics

At their core, aircraft carriers are unmatched for their versatility. These vast ships, with their full-length flight decks, essentially function as mobile airbases capable of deploying fighter jets and helicopters wherever needed. 

This mobility provides a distinct advantage: the ability to operate in international waters, close to areas of interest or conflict, without requiring diplomatic permissions for airspace or basing rights.

The Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers—HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales—bring this flexibility to life. Both are designed to operate F-35B Lightning II stealth jets, giving Britain a cutting-edge capability for precision strikes, reconnaissance, and air superiority missions. 

Their ability to launch and recover aircraft quickly from anywhere at sea makes them indispensable in crises.

But their significance extends beyond combat. These ships can also carry helicopters and deliver humanitarian aid, host medical facilities, and act as command centres for joint operations. 

Whether it’s disaster relief or combat operations, an aircraft carrier’s adaptability makes it a versatile asset for Britain’s defence and foreign policy.

Securing Economic Lifelines

Maritime trade is the lifeblood of Britain’s economy. With 90% of the world’s goods transported by sea, the stability of major shipping lanes is critical for economic prosperity. Aircraft carriers, as the centrepiece of Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs), provide the muscle to ensure that vital sea lines of communication remain open and secure from threats, whether they come from hostile states or non-state actors.

Britain’s global interests are particularly vulnerable in key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, where disputes over freedom of navigation frequently arise. A carrier at sea is a reassurance to allies and a signal to adversaries that Britain has the capability—and the will—to protect its interests.

For the UK, whose economy depends on uninterrupted trade routes, the presence of a carrier isn’t just a matter of national pride—it’s a practical necessity. In regions where disruptions to maritime traffic could ripple through global markets, Britain’s carriers stand ready to safeguard economic stability.

A Diplomatic Tool and Strategic Deterrent

The 1972 deployment of HMS Ark Royal to Belize is a textbook example of how aircraft carriers balance diplomacy and defence to deliver strategic impact. At the time, tensions were running high between Belize and Guatemala, with the latter claiming the British colony. Belize, with its modest defence capabilities, faced a serious threat from its far larger neighbour.

The UK’s response was to send Ark Royal, then the pride of the Royal Navy, to the region. The carrier’s arrival sent a clear and immediate message: Britain would stand by Belize and was prepared to defend its interests. 

With its complement of aircraft, including Phantoms and Buccaneers, Ark Royal represented a level of firepower Guatemala could not hope to counter. Its very presence effectively deterred any plans of aggression, proving how carriers act as both a shield and a statement of intent.

But Ark Royal wasn’t just flexing muscle, the deployment also had a strong diplomatic element. By supporting Belize’s limited defence forces and engaging in regional cooperation, the carrier showcased Britain’s commitment to stability in the Caribbean.

It was a clear demonstration of the UK’s ability to project power and influence far from home without firing a shot, and the cost of the carrier was very low compared to the cost in treasure and blood of conflict.

New Navy Aircraft Carrier

HMS Ark Royal’s mission in Belize shows why aircraft carriers remain so relevant. They’re versatile tools of diplomacy, capable of preventing conflicts while strengthening alliances. It’s a reminder of the unique role carriers play in safeguarding Britain’s interests on the global stage.

Operational Independence

One of the most compelling strengths of an aircraft carrier lies in its unparalleled independence and operational flexibility. Unlike land-based airfields, which require permission from host nations and are often tied to complex diplomatic negotiations, carriers bring the advantage of mobility and autonomy. 

They are essentially floating cities, equipped with all the essentials to sustain extended deployments—fuel, food, spare parts, ordnance, and even advanced medical facilities. This self-sufficiency allows them to remain on station for weeks or even months, responding to crises without reliance on external support.

This independence translates into rapid response capability. Britain’s carriers can be deployed quickly to areas of need, bypassing the logistical and political hurdles that often accompany the use of foreign airfields. In times of tension, this means that a carrier can be positioned to de-escalate a situation or enforce international norms, such as no-fly zones or maritime blockades, without waiting for diplomatic approvals.

Perhaps even more significant is the reach these vessels provide. With the majority of the world’s population living near coastlines, carriers serve as platforms for projecting power into critical regions. They enable Britain to deliver air power directly from the sea, ensuring that geography is no obstacle to the nation’s ability to act decisively.

Whether providing humanitarian relief in the wake of natural disasters, enforcing international law in contested waters, or carrying out precision strikes in conflict zones, a carrier brings a level of adaptability that few other assets can match.

Challenges and Investments

Operating aircraft carriers is no small feat. These ships rank among the most expensive assets in any navy’s arsenal, demanding vast resources for construction, maintenance, and the intensive training required to operate them effectively. However, the benefits they deliver justify the significant investment, offering unmatched flexibility, reach, and strategic value.

As Ray Mabus, former US Secretary of the Navy, famously noted, “They get there sooner, stay there longer, bring everything they need, and don’t have to ask anyone’s permission.” This autonomy and capability make carriers indispensable assets for any nation seeking to maintain influence on the global stage.

The Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers embody a forward-looking approach, designed to remain in service for at least half a century. This long-term commitment ensures that Britain will retain a key element of its maritime power well into the 21st century.

Britain has worked hard to regain its carrier-operating expertise following a gap in operations after the retirement of its previous large carriers. Significant investment has been made in training the next generation of naval aviators and deck crews, often in collaboration with allies like the US Navy. 

Facilities have been modernised, and operational frameworks developed to ensure that these state-of-the-art vessels remain at the forefront of maritime innovation.

These efforts reflect not just a commitment to maintaining carrier capability but also an acknowledgement of their central role in projecting Britain’s power, securing trade routes, and responding to global crises. Despite the challenges, the Royal Navy is ensuring that its carriers are not just relevant but evolving assets for decades to come.

The Point

Aircraft carriers are far more than floating airstrips. They are symbols of national power, tools of diplomacy, and guarantors of economic security. For Britain, an island nation with global ambitions and responsibilities, the importance of these vessels cannot be overstated.

In an unpredictable world, aircraft carriers give Britain the ability to respond to crises, protect its interests, and project influence far beyond its shores. 

They ensure freedom of navigation, deter potential aggressors, and enhance Britain’s standing as a leader on the international stage. Simply put, aircraft carriers are not just essential to Britain—they are indispensable to its future.