Her Majesty The Queen takes the salute at the commissioning of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Credit: Royal Navy.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has commissioned the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, in Portsmouth Naval Base.

The iconic White Ensign was raised symbolising the commissioning of the country’s £3.1bn future flagship Queen Elizabeth-class carrier into the Royal Navy’s fleet.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Today marks the start of a hugely significant chapter for the Royal Navy, and indeed the nation, as the future flagship is commissioned into Her Majesty’s fleet.

“It is an honour to witness the crowning moment of an extraordinarily busy year for the Royal Navy that has seen us name the second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, cut steel on the first Type 26 frigates, and launch the National Shipbuilding Strategy.”

Williamson further said that both the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, will carry out their operations across the globe.

The two vessels will have the capability to perform several tasks, ranging from humanitarian and disaster relief to fighting terrorism and high-end combat.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The navy vessel returned to its home port of Portsmouth after successfully completing her second stage of sea trials off the south coast of England last month.

HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed for the trials in October.

“The ship is slated to complete its final build activity and prepare for helicopter trials early next year.”

The second phase of tests was carried out to assess the aircraft carrier’s latest mission systems, which include the vessel’s radar and communications systems.

In addition, air flow pattern tests were also conducted to demonstrate how air across the flight deck would affect the taking off and landing of the aircraft on-board.

The ship is slated to complete its final build activity and prepare for helicopter trials early next year.

At the start of quarter three next year, the UK Navy vessel will sail to the US for initial flight trials off the coast.

There are currently 150 Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel carrying out training in the US on the 13 units of the F-35 fighter jets.