HMS Queen Elizabeth 'fragile' to attacks according to ex-RAF chiefs

The new warship cost a whopping £3bn and has earned the bragging rights from Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon about the UK’s capabilities compared to the likes of Russia and other European countries.

However, retired RAF men have casted their doubts and believe the ship needs to be protected further.

"This will not be the case with only nine P-8s (less than seven hours on task at that range)," the former RAF leaders said.

"If HMS Queen Elizabeth is not to go straight to the bottom of the ocean as soon as hostilities break out, at least three more P-8s will be needed. Failing that, air-to-air refuelling must be made available by fitting refuelling booms to our A330 Voyager tankers," according to the Telegraph.

Since Russia stepped up its submarine activity in the North Atlantic, Britain have responded to the opposite effect, with cuts being made in this department as well as their maritime patrol planes which has received a backlash in criticism.

Trials for HMS Queen Elizabeth have begun, though the ship will not be sent on operations until 2021 when it will be protected by a destroyer escort, frigate, F-35B jump jets and the new patrol planes.

Despite this, a new report from the Royal United Services Institute this week directed to impressive gains made within the military capability by China and Russia, closing the gap between their selves and Western military dominance.

Missiles costing less than £500,000 could disable the multi-billion pound vessel according to reports.