Russia Wages War Of Words With Britain Over New Carrier

Moscow has angrily lashed out at a dismissive comment about a Russian aircraft carrier made by Britain's defence secretary, arguing that its ageing ship is better than the new British carrier.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said earlier this week that Russia will look at the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth with envy, pointing at Russia's "dilapidated" Admiral Kuznetsov carrier.

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov fired back on Thursday, arguing that unlike the British ship that relies on escort ships for protection, the Russian carrier can stand by itself with an array of offensive and defensive weapons.

He dismissed the British carrier as just a

"conveniently large sea target"

that should stay close to US protection.

The Soviet-built Kuznetsov recently visited the eastern Mediterranean as part of Russia's campaign in Syria.

The £3 billion HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, which is set to be the nation's future flagship, and her 700-strong ship's company, are ready to undertake her maiden sea trials over the summer.

Flying trials with helicopters and the F-35B Lightning II will start in 2018.  

The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force have already been undertaking 'at sea testing' with F-35B's on board the USS Wasp.  

HMS Queen Elizabeth will have operational Carrier Strike Capability in 2020.