HMS Queen Elizabeth Withdraws from Major NATO Exercise Due to Technical Issues

The UK Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, faced a setback as it had to withdraw from a major NATO exercise due to issues with its starboard propeller shaft. The warship was scheduled to lead the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War but was replaced by another UK aircraft carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales.

Technical Issue and Replacement

The withdrawal occurred after routine pre-sailing checks identified a problem with a coupling on the 65,000-ton warship's starboard propeller shaft, preventing it from sailing as planned. As a result, HMS Prince of Wales stepped in to take over the role in Exercise Steadfast Defender, which is the largest military exercise in Europe since the Cold War.

History of Mishaps

Despite being the UK Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth has experienced a series of embarrassing mishaps since its commissioning in 2017. Previously, in 2019, a mechanical issue left the warship without propulsion for days, followed by a flooding incident. In 2021, one of the carrier's F-35B fighters crashed in the Mediterranean, further adding to its list of troubles.

Specifications and NATO Exercise

HMS Queen Elizabeth, capable of carrying 60 aircraft, is the largest warship ever built in the UK, with a cost of £3.1 billion ($3.9 billion). It was intended to lead a carrier strike group of eight ships, including US, Spanish, and Danish vessels, in the Norwegian waters and the High North as part of Exercise Steadfast Defender. The exercise involves 20,000 UK military personnel, forming part of the 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO allies participating in the event.

Technical Issues and Navy's Status

The incident involving HMS Queen Elizabeth's withdrawal due to technical problems is not an isolated case for the Royal Navy. HMS Prince of Wales, the warship's replacement, previously encountered technical issues with its starboard propeller shaft in 2022, prompting additional checks. Additionally, in January, two UK warships involved in Gulf maritime security collided at a Bahrain port, indicating a series of maritime mishaps. The UK's naval power, once the world's greatest, is currently facing challenges. The Royal Navy is dealing with a diminished and aging fleet, staff shortages, and increased wear and tear as its services are under strain. Furthermore, the Navy has been forced to lower entry requirements to bolster its personnel due to rising staffing issues.

Outlook and Concerns

The UK's military ambitions are facing a dissonance with its capabilities, according to Sir Richard Barrons, former head of Britain's armed forces. The House of Commons Defence Committee has expressed concerns about the UK military being consistently overstretched and under unrelenting pressure. Analysts and officials are wary of the strategic weakness that could be exposed if the country is drawn into a conflict with its current military challenges. In conclusion, the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, faced a setback with its withdrawal from a major NATO exercise due to technical issues, highlighting the challenges faced by the UK's naval capabilities and the need for addressing underlying concerns.