Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

How sovereign will the UK’s carriers be?

17th May 2018 - 16:03 GMT | by Richard Thomas in London

RSS

The eight acres of mobile territory that the UK Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth class carriers will provide have been broadly welcomed, although how truly sovereign its deck-space will be remains open to debate.

At the most basic level the carriers will be part of the UK’s armed forces, able to respond to the needs and demands of its standing government. However, a reduction in asset numbers endured by the RN will see the vessels often operating within US and other NATO task forces.

There is the prospect as well - not altogether unwelcome - that US Marine Corps F-35Bs

Already have an account? Log in