Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many aircraft are currently in service on the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier.

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH is not yet in service; although Royal Navy Merlin helicopters provided support to the first phase of her sea trials.

We have taken delivery of 11 F-35B aircraft, which are currenetly stationed in the US for training. We will have taken delivery of 14 F-35B aircraft by the end of the year.

On current plans, following her entry to service, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH will commence flying trials in 2018, building towards a carrier strike capability from the end of 2020. In this role, our Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers will have the capacity to operate F35-B Lightning II aircraft, with associated Rotary Wing force protection and support.