Article Posted on : - May 27, 2011

A file photo.

GLASGOW (BNS): BAE System has begun the construction on the HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the two new Queen Elizabeth (QE) Class aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy, the company announced Thursday.

The first steel cutting ceremony took place at the Govan shipyard of the BAE Systems, marking a pivotal stage in the programme to deliver the nation's flagships.

"We are committed to deliver this next generation of powerful British aircraft carriers that will mark a step change in our carrier strike capability and form the cornerstone of the Royal Navy's Future Force 2020," Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox said.

BAE Systems in partnership with Babcock, Thales and the Ministry of Defence is constructing the biggest and powerful surface warships of UK.

Construction on the first of class HMS Queen Elizabeth underway at six shipyards across the country, including BAE Systems in Glasgow and Portsmouth, Appledore, Merseyside, Newcastle and the final assembly will take place at Rosyth.