Originally Posted by
Frostchamber
Which will be a large part of the reason the QEs will be fitted with 4X 30mm and 3X Phalanx Block 2B, the latter with anti-surface capability specifically for speedboat-type attack. Not to mention an escort screen.
How is the escort screen looking these days? How many are broken or deployed around the globe ‘projecting influence’ as a singleton ship? With the numbers we have and the numbers you are likely to need to provide an effective carrier escort, HMG will be faced with a problem of deciding whether it wants the Navy to project influence or protect the carriers. Doing both concurrently is no longer an option - if you want to do it effectively.