On 20th May 2024, I asked the Minister for Defence Procurement about how the increase in defence spending would be used to fully complement our aircraft carriers.
We are rightly proud of our Royal Navy in Fareham, and our aircraft carriers in Portsmouth have created thousands of jobs and been a real asset to our defences.
However, we know that the Carrier Strike group lacks the jets, frigates, destroyers and submarines that were originally planned.
Speaking in the Chamber, Suella Braverman MP said:
“In Fareham, we are rightly proud of our world-class aircraft carriers docked in nearby Portsmouth, providing thousands of jobs and being a huge credit to our Royal Navy. However, we all know that neither the Queen Elizabeth nor the Prince of Wales has as many jets, small warships or submarines as originally planned. Will the Minister please tell me how further defence spending will be used to bring online the full complement of F-35 jets, for example, so that our carrier strike group has the full capability to meet the modern threats of today?”
Responding, James Cartlidge MP, Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
“My right hon. and learned Friend asks an excellent question. She is right about the importance of the carrier strike group. On the key point about the F-35s, we have confirmed 48 aircraft by 2025 and a further 27 by 2033, but in addition to that it is about working with our allies so that our carriers are at the heart of NATO operations, and ensuring that we have the maintenance and crews in place. As we saw recently, when we needed to get the second ship active, she was ready in eight days. That was a phenomenal achievement. It shows how effective we are at getting our carriers in place when we need them.”
