UK Considers Scrapping Aircraft Carriers Amid Vulnerability Concerns

Recent war games have revealed significant vulnerabilities in the UK's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, with sources indicating that they are 'sunk' in most scenarios due to advancing missile technology. The carriers, commissioned in 2017 and 2019 at a cost of £6.2 billion, are now seen as increasingly susceptible to modern threats, particularly from China, which is rapidly developing hypersonic and anti-ship missiles. Military officials have expressed concerns that the Royal Navy's operational capabilities may be compromised, prompting discussions about potentially scrapping one of the carriers as part of a financial review. The challenges faced by the Royal Navy are compounded by ongoing issues with submarine operational availability and a recent fire at the Devonshire Dock Hall, symbolizing broader setbacks within the British defense forces. As geopolitical tensions rise, these revelations cast doubt on the effectiveness of the UK's naval power in modern warfare scenarios. The Royal United Services Institute has highlighted that missile technology is evolving so quickly that locating and targeting these carriers is becoming increasingly feasible.