Aircraft carriers’ value

sir – Gp Capt Alan Ferguson (Letters, January 10) demonstrates how limited RAF thinking is in his failure to grasp the power and flexibility of aircraft carriers.

He says they have “no relevance” to Europe. But Europe and Britain depend on free trade for their livelihood, and it is navies that guarantee safe passage for merchant ships of all nations. In this duty, aircraft carriers provide the muscle and the reach to deter would-be attackers of trade routes, backing up the frigates and other escorts.

Leaving aside short-sighted Ministry of Defence policies in recruitment, the only fault with the Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales is that they were built around the wrong aircraft. To correct this, and to confer the provision of air power across the globe, they should be modified to operate conventional aircraft such as the American F-18. Furthermore, any new RAF combat aircraft must be able to operate from these carriers – otherwise they will be confined to Europe, like the RAF’S Typhoons.

John Neimer

Stoborough, Dorset

sir – Gp Capt Ferguson’s claim that the aircraft carriers have no relevance to conflict in Europe is wrong, as is his assertion that they are an unaffordable long-term asset. Having been First Sea Lord from 2002 to 2006, I can state categorically that, had these carriers not been authorised, no extra frigates would have been procured.

Admiral Lord West of Spithead (Lab)

London SW1

sir – Gp Capt Ferguson has not learnt from history. When the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes was withdrawn after the Falklands War and swiftly immobilised, meaning it was not available to support the boots on the ground necessary to take or defend territory, France and Italy had to supply carriers – one with Harriers to cover ground-forces support.

RAF methods of long-distance air support are no good to troops in need of immediate reinforcement on the battlefield. Furthermore, it is essential that we keep the Royal Marines and their support ships to deter Russia and support our European allies.

Brian Elphick

Storrington, West Sussex