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HMS Queen Elizabeth Sets Sail for NATO Deployment

9/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth on 5 September at 18:20 BST for a NATO deployment.
In July, the carrier became NATO’s Allied Response Force Afloat Command Platform.
The ship will undergo Fleet Operational Standards and Training for aviation and carrier work.
The carrier will replace HMS Prince of Wales as the UK’s flagship and carrier in late 2027.
The Defence Investment Plan allocated £240 million for jet-powered UAVs to work with F-35B fighters.

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Story summary

HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth on 5 September at 18:20 BST for a NATO deployment.
In July, the carrier became NATO’s Allied Response Force Afloat Command Platform.
The ship will undergo Fleet Operational Standards and Training for aviation and carrier work.
The carrier will replace HMS Prince of Wales as the UK’s flagship and carrier in late 2027.
The Defence Investment Plan allocated £240 million for jet-powered UAVs to work with F-35B fighters.