Well if this is an exercise to concentrate the minds of the Defence Chiefs on what the UK's core capabilities should be then I do not think it is that bad. For too long they have tried to match the US and jumped on whatever the latest fad is from the them, simply look how the US Army's FCS caused t...

Becoming a bit of a hungry horse.

These are exciting times for the RN indeed. Yes, there are many threats raising their ugly heads over the RN’s future but the breadth of the RN’s capabilities could soon be unmatched (except for you know who) if cuts can be averted. Carrier strike elevates it to a whole new level. Please just leave ...

If cuts are unavoidable, this should be a no-brainer. Cut two GP T23's, save the upgrade costs and endure a capability gap until all five T31's are commissioned. Hopefully by then recruitment has improved to man the whole fleet of T31's and maybe just maybe get an improved spec approved for the T31'...

Looking forward seeing her with Albion (but which may sadly never happen)

Spinflight, when was it discussed by the defence committee?

Nick c, is the Japanese navy really comparable? No SSBN's, no SSN's, no carriers.

James k, I agree that the French navy falls short on capability compared to the RN. But they spend less and they're not axing a core capability. On top of that their SSBN's take a much larger share of the budget cake than CASD. Amphibious warfare, as far as I'm concerned, is a requirement for a firs...

The current narrative would have us believe that the RN must relinquish one of its core capabilities (amphibious warfare) to afford the rest. But the French manage to do it all with less resources. It doesn't add up.

Why would the French navy, supposedly with a smaller budget than the RN, be able to maintain CASD, SSN's, a CVN with destroyer and ASW escorts, mine warfare, patrol ships AND A CREDIBLE AMPHIBIOUS CAPABILITY, and the RN not? And they have similar manpower costs (36k personnel).

And I was so looking forward to see Albion sail in company with QNLZ . To my eyes the Albions are impressive and beautiful ships.

WhitesElephant you have been predicting the loss of the LPD's in the mini review. But let us not despair - Fallon will save us from this terrible loss with a last minute dash for new cash

This would appear to quash the fears that either or both LPD's will be retired in the mini review?

Nope, Albion took 12 months to bring up to standard again. The pictures of her before the work started showed a very run down ship. They call it extended readiness, but the ship isn't ready for anything, its mothballed. I think we now have 2 hulls that share a single set of combat systems, so that ...

If a major crisis breaks out, can Bulwark be reactivated reasonably quickly to deploy both LPD's and three Bays simultaneously?

Are the carriers built to naval shock standards and will they undergo shock testing?

Was looking at the Gowind light frigate for the Malaysian navy. At 110 meters and 3100t, 10t helicopter hanger, Sylver VLS for Mica Sam, hull mounted sonar, Captas 2 tail and torpedoes, though clearly not optimised for NGS (only a 57mm mount), it seems to tick most boxes. The total contract price fo...

Donald san, your clinical and knowledgeable assessments really impress. What cost will Captas4CI add to Venator?

When I was still in primary school, many many years ago, somebody gave me the book British and European Combat Aircraft by Paul Jackson. I swear I read that book to tatters, it was a prized possession. Anyhow, there was this pic of a Sea Harrier on HMS Invincible, crammed in a small corner next to t...

If I may follow Ron - warm congratulations from South Africa also. I feel your pride and wish the ship and her crew all the very best. Rule Britannia!

These ships will raise the RN, in my opinion, to the second most powerful navy in the world. Now if only they can stick to 13 T26 and throw in an order for an LHD, I will really celebrate. Looking forward to see her in company with her escorts and still hoping to visit Portsmouth one day to see her ...

By the way, Galloglass, are you not an Irishman residing in England? Yet you passionately proclaim your ardent love for and devotion to the likes of Sturgeon and Salmond everytime you excrete your drivel over at the other site.

No Galloglass, its not so innocent. Over there you are meanspirited, nasty and derogatory of every Unionist. That's why I don't buy any interest you profess to show here for the Britsih Armed Forces. You will rather see HMS Queen Elizabeth scuttled in Rosyth than arriving in Portsmouth.

Galloglass, your somewhat measured tone on this forum about Scottish politics, I must say, is a stark contrast to the hate and drivel you spout about the English and the Union over at Whatscotlandthinks. Big Brother is looking at you.