If the last two T45s are ordered (considered to be crucial by the First Sea Lord) this should prevent our frigate/destroyer numbers falling below 25. Note that the opinion voiced by the Admirals is that this is too low, and we really need about thirty. The SDR said 32, after all.
From Janes:
UK navy chief fuels 'quality versus quantity' debate
The size of the RN's frigate/destroyer force has seen a significant decline over the past decade, falling from 35 ships in 1996 to 25 today. Admiral Sir Alan West, Adm Band's predecessor as Chief of Naval Staff and First Sea Lord, was public in his opinion that this level is too small to meet the full spectrum of taskings, noting that the figure of 25 was based on analysis of high-intensity warfighting tasks alone and did not address wider maritime security needs, or make any allowance for attrition.
Admiral West said this openly, both the media and to the Defence Select Commitee.
Perhaps the frigate/destroyer force could be augmented by cheaper, less sophisticated vessels geared towards maritime security operations and low intensity tasks? Like
this perhaps?
Yet the MOD claims the RN is having a massive shipbuilding programme. Hmmm.
