From Rule of the Waves to Reliance on Allies: The Royal Navy’s Inability to Escort Its Carriers Exposed
In early March 2026, amid escalating conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and regional actors, reports emerged that the United Kingdom was contemplating the deployment… 
In early March 2026, amid escalating conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and regional actors, reports emerged that the United Kingdom was contemplating the deployment of one of its Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers – likely HMS Prince of Wales – to the region. This potential mission would aim to safeguard British interests, including sovereign base areas in Cyprus such as RAF Akrotiri, which had come under Iranian drone attack, and to contribute to broader maritime security efforts in a theater marked by threats to shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Yet what should have been a straightforward demonstration of British…
