Aircraft carriers and seaborne forces provide a wide variety of options, particularly for power projection and rapid deployment operations. The Royal Navy anticipates replacing its three smaller aircraft carriers with two larger carriers beginning in 2012.
Work is already underway to refine the carrier requirement.
Each new carrier would be capable of deploying with up to 50 aircraft, including helicopters. The range of carrier-borne aircraft options remains open. Great Britain is also participating in the development and concept demonstration phase of the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter. This aircraft remains a strong contender for use on the two new carriers, Royal Navy officials explain. Other aircraft may be used on the larger carrier, including a marinized version of the Eurofighter.