Originally Posted by
Asturias56
I have some sympathy for the idea that we could build a lot more Patrol type vessels - which is what we need (amongst other types) but then you have to have the on-going cash to maintain - something that seems to pass the politicians by
It is not just the maintenance money. A large part of through-life cost of a warship is the cost of the ship's company. Not just the costs of sailors on board today either, but the pipeline of replacements and their pensions all have to be funded. That is one reason why SSN(R) and the QE pair are so automated, reducing the complement as much as practicable.
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