By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, now under NATO command, has achieved ‘Full Operating Capability’ with its advanced F-35 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone for European security. During a UK-Italy ministerial meeting aboard the carrier, discussions centered on strengthening defense cooperation and bolstering European security. Exercise Falcon Strike demonstrated NATO’s strength as UK and Italian F-35s operated together. The Carrier Strike Group is set to participate in the major NATO exercise Neptune Strike, further enhancing the alliance’s capabilities.
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Boost to warfighting readiness is undoubtedly a significant development as Britain’s aircraft carrier, for the first time, is declared fully ‘mission ready’ and committed to NATO. It’s hard to ignore the broader context: a world seemingly preparing for potential conflicts. The recent increase in military activity globally isn’t lost on anyone, and it’s fueling speculation about the future. Of course, the commitment of the UK’s carrier to NATO exercises and operations is a visible sign of this readiness.
The current geopolitical climate certainly feels charged. These exercises in the Mediterranean, designed to test NATO’s ability to strike targets at sea, include carrier-based air missions, amphibious landings, and anti-submarine drills. They’re focused on essential tasks like ensuring freedom of navigation and securing critical maritime chokepoints.
When we consider the broader picture, the development of the UK’s aircraft carrier program is not necessarily a direct response to any single event. It’s a long-term investment. The decision to replace the existing British carriers was made well before recent events, with the contract signed back in 2007. The Royal Navy has a proud tradition of operating aircraft carriers, and this commitment to NATO is an evolution of that legacy.
The UK’s commitment to increased defense spending reflects the current global situation. There are those who feel that recent events, particularly the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the need for robust military capabilities. While the economic cost can be substantial, these investments are seen as crucial for national security in a world where global stability is increasingly uncertain.
The aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are impressive vessels. It’s fair to say that their very existence has proven to be a good decision. The two carriers are not shared with the French, although the UK and France do coordinate deployments for a more persistent presence in regions of shared interest.
It’s easy to understand the debate surrounding military expenditure. There are arguments to be made that the focus should be shifted away from military spending toward other needs, but the fact is that the global landscape has changed.
The UK’s fleet has a major role in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Pacific. The Royal Navy doesn’t field both carriers simultaneously. One will be operational while the other undergoes maintenance, refit, or training. It’s a sign of a strong navy that can project power.
While the presence of an aircraft carrier is important, there are other important assets. The Royal Navy would benefit from a larger number of frigates and cruisers. Aircraft carriers are important but they don’t replace the need for the other types of vessels.
The potential for conflict in various regions is a concern for a lot of people. It’s been said that China could invade Taiwan in the near future, but that would be a tremendous undertaking. The build-up of amphibious assault ships would be massive.
The fact is that the West is ramping up defense spending at a large scale. There has to be a reason, we just don’t know it. The public needs to understand that there is more information than is available to them.
It’s clear that Russia can afford to keep fighting. Russia’s economy has been converted to military production, and stockpiles help lessen the financial burden. The reality is that Russia is under authoritarian rule, and is able to shift a very large portion of the budget to military spending, and that situation is sustainable.