Is Britain Still Building Capital Ships After Completing HMS Vanguard?

HMS Vanguard, launched in 1941 but finished in 1946, marked the transition of naval shipbuilding priorities in the United Kingdom. By the time Vanguard was completed, battleships were seen as obsolete, and the focus shifted towards aircraft carriers. This article explores Britain's transition from building battleships to modern capital ships and aircraft carriers.

Background on HMS Vanguard

HMS Vanguard was part of the Lion-class battleships, which were intended to play a significant role in naval combat. Unfortunately, only Vanguard was completed, armed with 15-inch guns instead of the original 16-inch guns due to wartime priorities. Comparing her to other notable battleships like HMS Hood, Vanguard stands out as the last fast battleship commissioned in the Royal Navy.

The Evolution of Capital Ships

With the advent of World War II, the definition of a capital ship expanded beyond battleships and battlecruisers to include aircraft carriers. From the 1940s onwards, the Royal Navy made significant strides in modernizing its fleet. The Majestic-class, Centaurs-class, Invincible-class, and the current Queen Elizabeth-class represent the evolution of these capital ships.

Majestic-class

Audacious-class

Centaur-class

Invincible-class

Queen Elizabeth-class

Current Naval Fleet and Future Prospects

Consider the largest warships ever built by Britain: the current aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Britain has indeed continued to build capital ships, albeit of a different type. Thus, the answer to whether Britain still builds capital ships after completing HMS Vanguard is a resounding no—these are now primarily the form of capital ships.

The Umpteenth Rationale for Completing Vanguard

The question about why Britain even completed HMS Vanguard can be dissected. The Battle of Normandy and subsequent naval battles clearly demonstrated the inefficiency and redundancy of battleships. However, political and symbolic reasons played a significant role. The battleship was perceived as a projection of power, a symbol that maintained the readiness and might of the Royal Navy. Moreover, it served more as a ceremonial vessel than a warship, with its main radar removed to accommodate the flag of the Royal Navy!

Despite their obsolescence, battleships remained a potent symbol in the maintenance of national maritime dominance, especially during a time of uncertainty and recovery from war. The Royal Navy’s future likely lies in these modern capital ships, particularly the formidable Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which represent the pinnacle of British naval engineering and might.

While HMS Vanguard marked the end of one era, it also paved the way for a new one. Transitioning to modern carriers like Queen Elizabeth exemplifies Britain's continued commitment to naval power projection and maritime security.