Royal Navy vessel pulled out of lead role in 'largest Nato exercise since Cold War' due to 'rusty' shaft

The Royal Navy said on social media that routine checks before sailing found an issue on the ship's starboard propeller shaft.

The vessel had been due to set sail last night to join 40 other ships taking part in Nato's largest exercise in decades.

The military exercise, known as the "Steadfast Defender", is planned for early March off Norway's arctic coast.

The HMS Prince of Wales would set sail "as soon as possible", the Royal Navy added on social media.

In a statement, the Royal Navy said: "It’s not uncommon to have maintenance issues with state-of-the-art ships which contain complex engineering and technology. Having two aircraft carriers means that HMS Prince of Wales can quickly prepare to deploy in place of HMS Queen Elizabeth."

Fleet Cdr Vice Adm Andrew Burns said: "Routine pre-sailing checks yesterday identified an issue with a coupling on HMS Queen Elizabeth's 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."

The exercise aims to repel invasions and attacks from countries that could pose a threat to Nato members.

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Whilst Nato did not mention Russia by name in its announcement, its top strategic document identifies Moscow as the most significant threat to member states.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the exercise will provide "vital reassurance against the Putin menace".

Shapps added: "Now is the time for all allied and democratic nations across the world to… ensure their defence spending is grown, because the era of the peace dividend is over.

"In five years’ time we could be looking at multiple theatres, including Russia, China and North Korea. Ask yourself, looking at today’s conflicts across the world, is it more likely that that number grows or reduces?

"I suspect we all know the answer – it is likely to grow."

Last week, the armed forces minister said that Britain is considering sending one of its £4billion aircraft carriers to the Red Sea to counter drone and missile attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Middle East.

James Heappey suggested that the UK could replace the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, a vessel which has been deployed by Washington to protect ships in the area. He expects it eventually will return to America.

HMS Diamond is currently stationed in the Red Sea to protect the vital shipping route, whilst the UK has engaged in various strikes on Houthi sites in the area.

The UK currently has two aircraft carriers that are designed to carry F-35 fighter jets - the HMS Queen Elizabeth and the HMS Prince of Wales.

If the HMS Prince of Wales were deployed, it would be its first combat operation.