The British Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales launched an eight -month swimming in the Pacific, heading the CSG25 shock carrier group as part of HighMast operation. This is the largest test of British aircraft carriers in the last 30 years.
The operation should support the US in the region by liberating US forces from some obligations in other parts of the world. However, the British fleet faces a number of problems. The group's main fighter is F-35b, which is able to take off a short start and land vertically, but their number is limited. The supply of these aircraft is expensive and risky dependent on US decisions.
Another problem is the lack of effective early air warning aircraft. Helicopters are now used for this function, although drones that are just beginning to develop for the British fleet would be an ideal solution. The group now has 18 F-35b, and 6 more can join during exercises. In total, 33 aircraft of this type are available for the Navy, of the required 74. This creates a significant break in the capabilities of the aircraft carrier. In addition, the British F-35B is not equipped with two key types of missiles intended for them due to delays in the development and integration of weapons.
In general, the British Fleet continues to bet on aircraft carrier and projected force away from the shores, but faces technical and financial challenges that can affect the effectiveness of this strategy.
