News - Middle East: A faulty British Navy flagship has pulled out of NATO military drills at the last minute due to a mechanical fault, as lawmakers warn the UK’s "hollowed out army is unfit for war."

British media reports said on Sunday that the UK’s £3.5 billion HMS Queen Elizabeth was stopped from taking part in a major NATO operation due to a mechanical fault.
The vessel broke down as it was heading to carry out exercises with the US Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and the US Marine Corps.
The Royal Navy is now sending the recently repaired HMS Prince of Wales to join up with other states’ vessels for a drill in Middle Eastern waters.
The departure of the aircraft carrier to lead the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War was canceled after an “issue” with a propeller shaft was spotted during final checks.
Announcing the latest problem, the Royal Navy posted on X: “Routine pre-sailing checks yesterday identified an issue with a coupling on HMS Queen Elizabeth starboard propeller shaft. As such, the ship will not sail on Sunday.
“HMS Prince of Wales will take her place on NATO duties and will set sail for exercise Steadfast Defender as soon as possible.”