When Will We Ever Learn ? – the Mail on Sunday reported that new Aircraft Carriers will sail without crucial radar technology for five years stating that MoD sources revealed that radar technology which warns commanders of incoming enemy warplanes and missiles may not be ready until five years after the first of the £7 billion warships enters service in 2017.   The ageing SEA KING ASaC7 helicopters, which currently provide the fleet’s Airborne Early Warning will be retired in 2016.

The MoD states that CROWSNEST (the replacement AEW package) quote

.... has not yet reached its main investment decision point, and the contractor for the project has not yet been selected so it would be inappropriate to comment on its in-service date.  Following the withdrawal of Sea King, maritime surveillance will be provided by a number of platforms and capabilities that will work together in a layered approach and we will also work closely with our allies and partners.  unquote