LONDON, November 18. . The UK would not be able to operate the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales without the help of NATO partners. The TV channel reported this news Sky news citing sources in defense circles.
According to them, the British Navy is experiencing a shortage of warships and support ships as well as a shortage of personnel, so the support of allies will be needed to establish a formal aircraft carrier strike group. One of the channel's interlocutors said that London “can only support NATO if NATO provides escort.” “The US could provide the full package, while the UK would have to give up its other obligations,” he added.
On the contrary, the Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom, John Healey, during his visit to Italy, argued that the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales, in the event of a crisis, would be ready for duty within 10 days after receiving appropriate notification. He emphasized that the ship arrived in Naples for an eight-month cruise and could participate in NATO operations in the future.
Prince of Wales departed Portsmouth, England on April 22 to lead an aircraft carrier strike group on a journey to the Indo-Pacific region. The £3 billion ($4 billion) aircraft carrier can carry up to 24 vertical landing F-35B fighter jets, 16 Merlin and Wildcat helicopters and drones.
“The UK and the 20 countries that have joined the carrier strike group over the past eight months are ready to work together to support and enhance global security and ensure global deterrence,” Healy said. Thus, the ship joined another British aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
