Indo-Pacific Tensions Rise as UK Deploys Aircraft Carrier: All About HMS Queen Elizabeth

UK to Send Power to the Indo-Pacific Region
Sending a Full Carrier Strike Group
UK Interferes in the Pacific Situation

Historically, the UK was recognized for participating in global conflicts and wars. This capability stemmed from the UK’s status as a maritime power. This allowed it to deploy naval forces worldwide before the United States assumed a leading role in such endeavors. Today, the UK continues to exert significant influence, although it may not be as formidable as before.

The UK announced plans to dispatch its largest-ever warship, the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Also, its strike group is in the Indo-Pacific region. This move is seen as a significant step towards exercising British influence in the Pacific region, where several countries are currently vying for power.

Largest Ever UK Warship
Aircraft Carrier Using Ski-Jump Method

The HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier is the largest vessel ever commissioned by the British Navy. While its power output is relatively moderate compared to other aircraft carriers, it boasts a capacity to accommodate up to 60 aircraft. Specifically, the F-35B can accommodate 36 on its flight deck and within its hangar.

While recent U.S. aircraft carriers use the arresting wire method, the HMS Queen Elizabeth has adopted the ski-jump method. This is because the arresting wire landing method is quite tricky, and the ski-jump takeoff and vertical landing method is easier for pilots. Switching back to the arresting wire method would require astronomical costs and sending all UK military pilots to the U.S. for training.

First Pacific Voyage Since 2021
UK Expected to Assert Influence

Since the HMS Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Japan in 2021, it’s been announced that the first deployment to the Indo-Pacific will occur in 2025. While concerns may arise about a potential power vacuum on the mainland due to the deployment of a carrier strike group, this is not expected to be a major issue, as the second ship, the Prince of Wales, entered service in 2019.

Nevertheless, this deployment is projected to significantly bolster the influence of the UK and its allies, including the U.S., in the Indo-Pacific region. With the recent significant advancements in the military relationship between India and the U.S. and the addition of the UK to the list of powerful allies, including Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, we anticipate notable shifts in the maritime power dynamics within the Indo-Pacific region.