A new class of ships for the Navy to support Britain’s aircraft carriers could be built outside the UK as the Ministry of Defence seeks savings in its under-pressure budget.

There are growing fears that three “fleet solid support” vessels to provide ammunition, equipment and food for the new Queen Elizabeth-class carriers will be built abroad.

Plans for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships were confirmed in last year’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and an industry day for companies interested in building the vessels is being held on July 28.