British Aircraft Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Sidelined from Largest NATO Exercises Due to Propeller Problem

Defense News ,UK :- In an unexpected turn of events, the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, slated to lead the largest NATO exercises since the Cold War, will not be setting sail on Sunday. The Royal Navy revealed that a propeller problem was discovered during final checks, necessitating a change of plans. The HMS Prince of Wales will take the lead in the exercises off Norway's Arctic coast as a replacement.

This incident mirrors a reverse scenario from August 2022 when the HMS Prince of Wales experienced a propeller problem on its way to training exercises with the United States and Canada. Back then, the carrier had to be towed back to port, and the HMS Queen Elizabeth stepped in to fulfill its role in the exercises.

The current setback poses challenges for the Royal Navy, potentially hindering their ability to deploy an aircraft to the Red Sea, especially amid escalating hostilities with Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting cargo ships in the strategic waters connecting Asia with Europe and the US. Armed forces minister James Heappey had previously suggested such a deployment.

This propeller issue marks the second setback for the Royal Navy in less than three weeks. Recently, two warships collided in a Bahrain harbor, causing damage to the vessels but fortunately resulting in no injuries. Military officials are actively investigating the collision involving the HMS Chiddingfold, which appeared to reverse into the HMS Bangor while docked. Both minehunters were stationed in the Middle East to safeguard merchant vessels.

Despite these challenges, the UK joined the US in a recent strike against 36 Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to further disable Iran-backed groups that have posed persistent threats to American and international interests.

With the HMS Queen Elizabeth sidelined, the HMS Prince of Wales is set to lead Exercise Steadfast Defender, heading a carrier strike consisting of eight ships, including British, US, Spanish, and Danish vessels.