HMS Queen Elizabeth sails out of Portsmouth in 'key milestone' on journey back to the Royal Navy's 'very high readiness' aircraft carrier

HMS Queen Elizabeth has left Portsmouth as it embarks on three months of “intensive” training and operations around the UK and Northern Europe.

The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier sailed out of Portsmouth Harbour with more than 800 sailors onboard on Saturday, September 5. It will be working alongside allies to undertake training and operations to help improve collective security, deterrence and readiness.

The next three months are seen as a “key milestone” for its NATO commitment and its journey taking over the mantle from HMS Prince of Wales as the “UK’s flagship and high-readiness strike carrier” which is due to happen in late 2027.

Get access to trustworthy local news for just £5 - sign up for a digital subscription to The News

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “HMS Queen Elizabeth will undertake advanced training under the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) organisation, exercising across the full spectrum of modern naval warfare to ensure the carrier is ready to respond to emerging threats.

“Having assumed the role of NATO’s command ship for the Allied Response Force in July, the carrier will also rehearse how an Allied naval force would operate together in the event of a crisis. It’s the first time either of the Queen Elizabeth-class ships has performed this NATO role.

“The training programme will continue into next year, including participation in major NATO exercises, and will prepare HMS Queen Elizabeth to take over from HMS Prince of Wales as the UK’s flagship and high-readiness strike carrier in late 2027.”

Sign up for our free emails for all of the local news and sport headlines

HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Commanding Officer Captain Claire Thompson said: “We’ve returned from summer leave rested and ready for the next phase of our training.

“Sailing this autumn is a key milestone for both our NATO commitment, as the Afloat Command Platform and also on our journey back to the Royal Navy’s ‘very high readiness’ aircraft carrier, a duty we will resume from our sister ship HMS Prince of Wales in 2027.

“Sailing with an embarked battle staff, integration and training is essential whilst relearning the skills required to conduct safe and effective aviation as we ensure that we are prepared to deliver operational activity at the heart of NATO should it be required.”

The deployment comes after the Defence Investment Plan confirmed that £240 million is being invested in the development of new drones to build a Hybrid Carrier Air Wing, including jet-powered drones to work alongside F-35 fighter jets.

Find pictures of HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving Portsmouth below: