Aircraft
UK's New Aircraft Carriers Rekindle Some Naval Pride
When configured for carrier strike, the two new ships could take two F-35B squadrons, each with 24 jets.
England’s two new QEII-class aircraft carriers will accommodate jump-launched versions of F-35Bs. But it will be two years before the first squadron becomes operational.
England’s two new QEII-class aircraft carriers will accommodate jump-launched versions of F-35Bs. But it will be two years before the first squadron becomes operational.

Britain’s F-35B stealth fighters are set to achieve initial operating capability at the end of this year. But that is only from land bases, with nine aircraft. It will be another two years before No. 617 Squadron can fly operationally from the first of the country’s two new QEII-class aircraft carriers.