In the past, I have expressed despair at the slow decline of the Royal Navy, the proud force that once dominated the world’s oceans, keeping them safe for commerce.

Which is why I was glad to read last week that the Royal Navy has signed contracts for two new aircraft carriers, to be christened the Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.

The carriers will come in at 65,000 tons, making them a bit smaller than the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz class flat tops, but their size will make them sufficient to operate F-35, fixed wing Joint Strike Fighter, instead of relying on VSTOL Harriers and helicopters. Their size also makes them the largest ships, by displacement, ever to wear the White Ensign.

This is a huge step forward for the Royal Navy. The only question now is whether the fleet can keep enough frigates and destroyers in service — in light of recent budget cuts — to put a respectable task force to sea.