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Written question asked by Lord Lee of Trafford (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 March 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 30 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth: Weapons

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will fit 30mm naval weapon systems to HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, given increased threats from unmanned aerial vehicles to naval vessels; and if not, why.

Answer

There are no plans to fit a 30mm weapon system to HMS Queen Elizabeth or HMS Prince of Wales. The Queen Elizabeth Class carriers are equipped with a range of defensive systems, which along with escort vessels and wider force protection measures, provide a layered defensive system that is effective against a wide range of threats, including emerging uncrewed aerial threats.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15601
Session
2024-26
Registered interest declared
Yes
Subjects
Weapons Unmanned air systems HMS Queen Elizabeth HMS Prince of Wales
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk