Has there been a "War" with a Peer/Near Peer Enemy since the 45's were commissioned that required a max deployment tasking?
I would ask the same for the two Carriers?
Is the RN fully equipped, manned, have logistic support capacity to wage a real War.....now....and if not....when shall it be?
You have half your Carrier fleet in port for extended repairs, the 45's seem to be performing only partial tasking, the F-35 program is a shambles....it does beg asking hard questions with straight forward honest answers.
The RN is an integral part of strategic planning by NATO and for other allied Navies.....can the RN live up to what would be demanded should a real live shooting war break out in the Atlantic and European waters?
As I see it....the RN bet the house on the F-35 and went with non-standard carriers that have no Catapaults or angled decks for the operation of other types of airplanes and drones.....thus despite being big and pretty....they are designed for a single type of airplane.
The questions are directed at the decision makers.....not the crews who are among the best in the World and who have to work with the tools they are provided.