The Utility of the Aircraft Carrier

It is unfortunate that the term Strike Carrier is now being used to describe vessels that were previously called Fleet Carriers. As a part of a balanced fleet they are so much more than a strike machine. They are a convenient airfield that, when required, can be used to support Britain's new Strike Brigades when they are deployed to foreign parts while at the same time providing a safe haven to which those forces can be evacuated, should the need arise. They are also an important step in the ladder of deterrence, which climbs from the man with a rifle, through the various military capabilities to the Trident submarine hiding somewhere in the ocean depths. They are an item that says, yes, you might be able to hurt us but we can also reach out, in various ways, and touch you, so beware. On the other hand, if you have a problem, with these two mobile airfields, we may be able to help. They are extremely useful vessels. By deploying these vessels, that most other countries cannot or will not, we may be seen as being pretentious, but if this nation cannot commission and operate just two aircraft carriers and a few dozen jet aircraft, what is her real worth as an ally? Is she worth anything?

Please read the whole of this first rate article in defence of the new aircraft carriers by Defence UK Director, Fred Dupuy. 
24th March 2020

pro patria - Journal of defence uk - 2019 volume 1

At the official launch of Defence UK on 16th October 2019 the first edition of Pro Patria, the Journal of Defence UK was published. It can be read online by selecting the heading above. Hard copies are available from Defence UK, PO Box 819, Portsmouth PO1 9FF.
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MISSION STATEMENT:

“Defence UK is an independent pressure group that campaigns for a strong and well-resourced Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, to ensure the security of the United Kingdom, her Sovereign Territories, trade and commerce, and to protect her citizens wherever they may be. We also call for a greater commitment by the UK Government to the nation's defence industries, and to non-military services such as the Merchant Navy, Coastguard, Border Control and Homeland Security that are essential to the Defence of the Realm.”
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