Thousands descended on Portsmouth, on Wednesday, to welcome the arrival of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier and the UK’s largest warship, the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier, which cost GBP 3 billion (EUR 3.29 billion/USD 3.86 billion) and requires a 700 person crew, returns to Portsmouth’s harbour for the first time, where it will remain as it undergoes tests until 2020.
The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the only aircraft carrier built with F35 jets in mind, giving Britain’s Royal Navy an unparalleled advantage.