Astrias56
Is that where the "twelve vessels" statement came from? The thing is, Border Force cannot do fishery protection - their vessels are too small, they do not have the training, and a busy. The RN on behalf of DEFRA and the Marine Management Organisation does fishery boardings/inspection in English, Welsh, and NI waters, but not routinely Scottish ones. Marine Scotland police fishing in Scottish waters
The RN Fishery Protection squadron also does national tasking - such as monitoring and escorting passing warships (and other vessels) of interest, helping the Police and Border Force with drug interceptions, keeping an eye on other unlawful activity at sea, helping deal with migrants in the Strait of Dover, and potentially anti pollution or counter terrorism roles.
The three Batch 1 River class replaced the older Island class. Their increased size means they can operate in rougher seas, and their mannnig system means they can spend large amounts of time at sea. a fourth one, Clyde, was ordered to act as a Falklands patrol vessel - modifications included an increase in size, a flight deck, and improved communications to worth with the Army and RAF down South.
One of them went to the Mediterranean not so many years ago to support NATO/EU activities, another covered for Clyde when she was having a refit, and spent some time in the Caribbean. The five Batch 2 vessels and enlarged and improved, although they were ordered to keep the shipbuilders busy. They have a proper flight deck, improved communications, and others. One was earmarked to replace Clyde, but the other four.....? Perhaps one can go to the Caribbean (for at least part of the year), allowing the LSD(A) to return to COMATG's ORBAT? Perhaps another can go the Mediterranean for NATO operations? You certainly would not to be in one in the Strait of Hormuz right now.
Then late last year Gavin W announced that the Batch 1s would be retained for tasks in home waters, and based around the UK instead of in naval bases. I am not sure they have fully worked out the manning yet...
The thing is, the RN needs more people as a top priority, as does the RAF, and I would say more helicopters (Merlin HM2 or Wildcat HM2), as a priority. The politicians prefer to make vague sounds about ship numbers though. We (I am saying 'we' as I do wear dark blue) need more people for our current ones.