NAO report issues warning on UK carrier strike capability
The implications of building and sustaining the UK’s two aircraft carriers continue to loom large for the RN, with the latest report issued by the National Audit Office (NAO) on carrier strike capability warning that the MoD ‘may not have made sufficient provision’ in future budgets for the full costs of maintaining a carrier-based strike group.
Published on 26 June, the NAO report also pointed to key aviation programmes - the F-35B Lightning jet and Crowsnest AEW capability - which will support carrier strike as being over budget and facing a delayed introduction into service.
The UK currently has 18
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
