Collection

The capabilities of the new UK aircraft carriers

See how HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales and F35B Lightning II will offer security, benefit the UK and are made by British Industry.

• From: Ministry of Defence
• Published: 9 February 2015
• Last updated: 4 July 2016 — See all updates

Introduction

The future flagships for the UK are the 2 new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and are the largest British warships ever built.

They, along with the F35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and Merlin Mk2 helicopters will help keep the UK armed forces modern, flexible and powerful.

The combination of the carrier, its aircraft and personnel will enable the UK to protect the nation, help prevent conflict and provide humanitarian aid.

In this section you will be able to find out about all of the different equipment that is part of the carrier story and how British industry is making it happen.

Float up and move of HMS Queen Elizabeth (video)

Float Up and Move of HMS Queen Elizabeth (ROYAL NAVY)

Follow the Queen Elizabeth Carrier and F35B on social media.

Find out more about the Lightning II and the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers. You can also follow @QEClasscarrier and @thef35 on twitter.

Queen Elizabeth Aircraft carrier

At an astonishing size, find out more amazing facts and figures of the aircraft carrier, the integral role the Royal Navy has with the carrier and how the build of the ship has helped to boost the economy.

• Aircraft carrier: what you need to know
  • 9 February 2015
  • Guidance

F35 - Lightning II

Find out interesting facts and figures about the Lightning II, its capabilities, the role the RAF has with the aircraft and how the build of the jet has helped to boost the economy.

• Lightning II: what you need to know
  • 9 February 2015
  • Guidance

Latest news

Also read about F35B training begins.

• F-35B Lightning II visits new homes for the first time
  • 2 July 2016
  • News story
• Lightning lands in the UK
  • 30 June 2016
  • News story
• MOD announces investment boost for the home of the UK's new cutting-edge aircraft
  • 7 April 2016
  • News story
• The Dambusters in 2016: from Lancaster to Lightning
  • 16 May 2016
  • News story
• Early completion of carrier crew accommodation is celebrated
  • 14 January 2016
  • News story
• First sailors join new aircraft carrier in Scotland
  • 29 January 2016
  • News story
• Defence Secretary highlights defence boost to Scottish Jobs
  • 7 December 2015
  • News story
• Mighty engine brings HMS Queen Elizabeth to life
  • 25 June 2015
  • News story
• F35B jet begins first ski-jump launch and weapons testing
  • 23 June 2015
  • News story
• UK and US military test Lightning II jets at sea
  • 27 May 2015
  • News story
• US Navy Vice Admiral shows commitment to combined carrier strike
  • 11 May 2015
  • News story
• US announces first F-35 in Europe to be based in the UK
  • 8 January 2015
  • News story
• Defence Secretary gets update on aircraft carrier project
  • 1 December 2014
  • News story
• HMS Queen Elizabeth is named
  • 4 July 2014
  • News story
• F-35 “Great for Britain”
  • 14 May 2013
  • Speech

Meet the people behind the scenes

• UK F-35 Lightning II testing begins in the US
  • 9 February 2015
  • News story

Watch the F35 and carrier in action

See the fastest jet and aircraft in action.Watch impressive footage of the Lightning II and aircraft carrier as they continue to build on its capabilities and technologies.

• Lightning II and Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier: videos
  • 1 July 2016
  • Guidance

Published 9 February 2015
Last updated 4 July 2016 + show all updates

1. 4 July 2016

   Updated latest news.

2. 1 July 2016

   Updated 'Latest news' section.

3. 7 December 2015

   Added most recent news story

4. 23 June 2015

   added latest F35B story

5. 9 February 2015

   First published.