Originally Posted by
weemonkey
All of which is super but doesn't excuse the comparatively meager fit of ship borne defensive weaponry.
hint: what is the first thing you remove or otherwise neutralise as an attacker?
True enough. In reference to the original post I was replying to, "well defended" includes self defense as well as defense provided by escorts. Escorts from allied nations can provide the latter. Only the UK can provide the former.