[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence video] The Pride of the UK, Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The ?3 billion (approximately 4.5 trillion KRW) advanced aircraft carrier 'Queen Elizabeth,' symbolizing the revival of the naval power Britain, is called the pride of the UK.

Since the retirement of its previous aircraft carriers in 2010, the UK lost the capability to launch fighter jets at sea. However, the Queen Elizabeth, with a full load displacement of 72,000 tons, can simultaneously carry 36 advanced F-35B stealth fighters capable of vertical takeoff and landing, along with medium-sized anti-submarine helicopters, attack helicopters, and transport helicopters, making it comparable to a naval military city.

Equipped with advanced long-range radar capable of monitoring the movements of up to 1,000 ships and aircraft within a 402 km radius, the Queen Elizabeth will be officially delivered to the Royal Navy this December, and next year, helicopters and carrier-based aircraft will conduct test flights from the Queen Elizabeth.

As the next-generation F-35 fighters ordered by the UK are gradually delivered, it is expected that by the end of 2020, F-35 fighters will be deployed on the Queen Elizabeth. Following the Queen Elizabeth, construction has also begun on its sister carrier, the 'Prince of Wales.' The construction cost for the two carriers, excluding carrier-based aircraft, exceeds ?6 billion (approximately 8.7 trillion KRW).