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
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