Getting back on topic, the are very disturbing rumours about the seventh and eighth Type 45 Destroyers. If they are cancelled that will be a 50% cut by stealth. A class of twelve was planned.
More cuts?
Still no sign of CVF passing main gate.
Currently the Royal Navy is heavily committed to
Maritime Security Operations, as are the Navies of other coalition nations. These operations need ISTAR assets such as Maritime Patrol Aircraft (including RAF Nimrods) and Submarines. However, Nimrod and SSN numbers are being cut, and are both currently much in demand. Therefore, should the RN's own embarked aviation assets not be given greater ISTAR abilities? Not just carrier based ones, but ones aboard frigates/destroyers and RFAs?
I refer to the
T45/Embarked Aviation thread.
Would they be a case for expanding 849 NAS, with an additional flight for basing aboard RFAs?