HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves for sea on Friday ahead of simulated battles, F-35 flights, warfare training

The £3.1bn aircraft carrier’s crew are currently being assessed by Flag Officer Sea Training staff where she is at Stokes Bay.

But from tomorrow morning her assessments will ratchet up as she moves out to sea.

The Royal Navy confirmed UK F-35 Lightning jet crews will be carrying out more qualifying flights.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: ‘Over the next few weeks she’ll be undergoing training and assessment with the Flag Officer Sea Training (Fost) staff, one of the last key milestones before she is declared ready to deliver carrier strike operations.

‘HMS Queen Elizabeth will be operating around the south coast facing simulated battles, fires and floods, as well as warfare training and full mission rehearsals.

‘The training will also include more qualifying flights with UK F-35 Lightning fighter jet crews.’

As reported, the carrier set sail from Portsmouth Naval Base on April 29 but stayed in Stokes Bay. Two of the ship's crew previously tested positive for Covid-19.

She is due to set sail at 8am on Friday