I wasn't in the Navy either, but am aware of their systems and ships; I did a TINY bit to help during the rush to properly equip Sea Harriers in 1982.
I find it offensive that someone should say " you didn't get to Dartmouth " etc, when people outside the service are sometimes well placed to comment, and don't have to brown-nose their life agreeing with rubbish !
It is blindingly obvious that we need more than 6 Type 45's, also why the hell are Type 23's being sold off ?!
If the CVF and F-35* are going to have any future ( with the RN rather than being sold off pronto, Thatcher style ) it / they will need significant escorts.
* Hands up all those who reckon the CVF, if ever in RN hands, is host to Harriers for quite a while...There is the story that Sea Harrier FA2's at Culdrose could be pressed into service if the balloon went up; well I hope the aircraft and pilots are given time for plenty of training !!!
The only use of a merchant ship I've seen which made any sense was the old 1983ish idea of using container ships with BAe SCADS - Shipborne Containerised Aircraft Defense Sytem.
This involved taking a ( pre-warned & aware ) container ship, putting on a sheet metal flight deck, and containers around the sides - think of a souped-up Atlantic Conveyor - including containers with defesive aids and Command & Control sytems, with a squadron of Sea Harriers.
Obviously this lot would need a work-up as quickly as poss', it wouldn't be an overnight wiring job !
This, coupled with the ' Skyhook ' system designed by Harrier Chief Test Pilot Heinz Frick, which would allow picket warships to refuel, re-arm and carry Sea Harriers ready for launch ( F-35 might be a bit heavy ! ) would seem to be what's trendily known as a force multiplier...
It's so obvious the Navy is being decimated - I would say the RAF can get by happily but should push for Tranche 2+ Typhoons - as in the current war we don't need a Navy or Fleet Air Arm ( know the FAA pilots & groundcrew have done a brilliant job ) - when are the politicians going to learn, modern warfare doesn't allow time to build things or ramp up, it's strictly ' run what you've brung ' !
DZ
P.S,
India a potential enemy ? Unless someone knows more than me - not difficult - I thought they were regarded as good guys ?!