Today’s defence related news includes further widespread coverage reporting that HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived in Portsmouth yesterday morning.
HMS Queen Elizabeth
Following on from yesterday’s live coverage from the ship, many of today’s papers report that HMS Queen Elizabeth has arrived into Portsmouth, with several including images of the ship on their front page.
The Telegraph, The Guardian, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, The Sun, and Daily Express all detail the future capability of the ship, noting how it will be a symbol of great British engineering, sending a clear signal that Britain intends to remain a global power. It is also reported that the ship’s commander, Captain Jerry Kyd, had an emotional, historic day bringing the ship home.
Local coverage also notes the £1 billion surge that the carrier will bring to Portsmouth’s economy.
Secretary of State for Defence Sir Michael Fallon said:
Today we welcome our mighty new warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth to her home for the very first time. She is Britain’s statement to the world: a demonstration of British military power and our commitment to a bigger global role.
The thousands of people across the UK who have played a part in building her and her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, should be immensely proud as our future flagship enters Portsmouth. She has made good progress in sea trials and will now embark on the next phase of preparations that will see the return of Britain‘s carrier strike ability.
When she enters service she will help keep Britain safe at a time of increased threats, able to fill multiple roles from providing air power anywhere at any time to fight future campaigns, supporting allies or delivering humanitarian aid.
F-35s
The Times speculates on the cost of the F-35 B Lightning II.
MOD spokesperson said:
The F-35B Lightning II aircraft is the world’s most advanced fighter jet. We are committed to the F-35 programme, which despite the claims to the contrary is on time, within costs and will provide a formidable fighting force for the UK.
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