Latest news with #Queen-Elizabeth-class
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
HMS Queen Elizabeth upgraded with deck-launched missiles amid WW3 threat
The UK's fleet of aircraft carriers are undergoing a major upgrade, with the Queen-Elizabeth-class now equipped with deck-launched long-range missiles Britain's aircraft carrier fleet is set to receive a significant boost in firepower amidst rising global tensions, hinting at the possibility of WW3. The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are being outfitted with deck-launched long-range missiles and unmanned aerial systems, as revealed by the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). This development represents a monumental shift in naval warfare tactics, transforming carriers from solely jet-launching hubs into versatile striking platforms with formidable offensive capabilities. The SDR details the Royal Navy's transition towards hybrid carrier air wings that combine manned combat aircraft with autonomous strike weapons deployed directly from the ship. "Carrier strike is already at the cutting-edge of NATO capability but much more rapid progress is needed in its evolution into 'hybrid' carrier airwings," the document asserts, reports the Express. It further explains: "Whereby crewed combat aircraft (F-35B) are complemented by autonomous collaborative platforms in the air, and expendable, single-use drones." Additionally, the review calls for the inclusion of "long-range precision missiles capable of being fired from the carrier deck" in the plans for these advanced air wings. Although the specific missile systems to be integrated have not been disclosed, the reference to "long-range precision missiles capable of being fired from the carrier deck" suggests a focus on enhancing the carriers' strike range and precision. This suggests plans that are "beyond current F-35B-launched munitions", as reported by the UK Defence Journal. The development is part of the UK's Future Maritime Aviation Force programme, which is investigating a range of possibilities for carrier operations. Downing Street said talks were ongoing about Nato spending targets amid suggestions the UK could be forced into signing up to a commitment to spend 3.5% of gross domestic product on defence. Sir Keir Starmer and Nato leaders will meet in The Hague later this month, with the alliance's secretary general Mark Rutte thought to be pushing for the current 2% target to be replaced with a 3.5% goal. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'I'm not going to get into the discussions that are ongoing, in the usual way, ahead of (the) Nato (summit). 'The UK is already the third-highest spender in Nato in cash terms behind the United States and Germany, we are one of 22 allies of the 32 in Nato that already exceed the 2% of GDP Nato target. 'But it isn't just about cash, it's about contributions to capability that each Nato ally brings. 'Whether it is our nuclear capability, whether it's our world-class carriers with fifth-generation combat aircraft, our armed forces who are some of the most advanced in the world, the UK has been a leading contributor to Nato and will remain one.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
US drones earmarked for Royal Navy aircraft carriers in UK military first
MQ-9 unmanned aerial system found to have the capability to be modified for operations from the Queen-Elizabeth-class fleet following a formal inquiry Royal Navy aircraft carriers could soon be equipped with US-made drones capable of early threat detection. The MQ-9 unmanned aerial system (UAS), developed by American firm General Atomics, has been found to have the potential to be adapted for operations from the Queen Elizabeth-class fleet following a formal investigation. Consequently, it's being considered as a contender to meet the navy's future Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning (AEW) requirement, currently fulfilled by the Merlin HM2 helicopter fitted with the Crownest system. Developed by AgustaWestland, the Merlin HM2 is widely seen as a sophisticated and versatile maritime helicopter used extensively for anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance, and search and rescue missions. Although it's equipped with the Thales Searchwater 2000 radar, which provides airborne surveillance, target tracking and battlespace management for the UK's carriers, the Crownest system and the host aircraft are gradually becoming 'obsolete', reports the Express. As a result, the Ministry of Defence has decided they need to find a more modern and sustainable alternative able to meet the demands of future naval warfare. Transitioning from that rotary-wing system to the unmanned fixed-wing of the MQ-9 would deliver a number of strategic advantages. These include significantly increased operational endurance, the ability to maintain surveillance over wider maritime areas, reduced risk to the crew and lower operating costs. The MQ-9 is a medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) drone that boasts versatility for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance use. Sporting a wingspan of over 20 metres and the capacity to fly for more than 27 hours, the system can carry advanced sensors, communication systems and mission payloads. It comes in several variants, with the British Royal Air Force adopting the MQ-9A Reaper and gradually transitioning to the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, indicating the MQ-9 already has a solid foundation in British military to be built upon for naval use. General Atomics notably showcased the MQ-9B Mojave's short takeoff and landing capabilities aboard HMS Prince of Wales in 2023. If chosen, the deployment of the MQ-9 would signify a game-changing shift in naval warfare.
