wargame_insomniac , using T31s as real frigates rather than light forward based ones, gives a significant boost to the RNs fighting capabilities. As discussed elsewhere the B2s are sufficient given the broader priorities to be forward based carrying out constabulary/ flag waving activities. The T45...

How many squadrons would be required if the F35B was to be deployed only for RN? Depends on if the FWUAS (VIXEN) delivers and how many will be purchased / available. Assuming, a full wartime load of 60 a/c - this could be a mix of 24 F35b + 24 Vixen + 12 Merlins HCA4/HM2, would mean 2 x 12 F35b a/c...

I think we need to drop the pretence that we need constabulary frigates and wake up and smell the coffee. War or prolonged sub-war is coming, we need every platform pulling its weight - upgrade the T31 requirements to match the need and get them in the water ready to fight. Forget the T32, it’s a co...

I can see a similar air wing on PWLS as CSG21, namely 8 UK a/c plus a USMC squadron.

Given the increase in numbers a 8 UK a/c squadron plus Merlins and Apaches on QE should also be possible.

Oooh - that would be interesting if the US were to win the Greek deal. I’ll get the popcorn…

I thought originally they said the UK was the third wheel and not that relevent, now we're the malevolent masterminds French guff for internal consumption. Looks like the selection of Valerie Pecresse for Les Republicans has ruffled his feathers Absolutely, and stirred up by a pro European segment ...

that would leave just 5*T31 to cover the lower intensity missions in Carribean, Med, South Atlantic, Gul and Indian Ocean and Pacific But for the Carribean a B2 River and a RFA during hurricane season is sufficient. There is no need for a frigate no matter how light. The South Atlantic is more comp...

Trying to read between the CDS recent comments to Parliament, I’d say that they are seriously looking at running RFA Argus on another 5-10 years. Comparatively RFA Argus is about 10% more expensive to run than a Bay class, by adding new capabilities then you can see how the two will be comparable. S...

£2bn is just an gu-estimate based on £400 per unit for a T31 based on a 5 unit class.

I therefore prefer 2-3 cheap-cheap OPVs (£120-180M in total) to replace 3 River B1s in 2028, so that the 5 River B2s can deploy around the globe. If the Mine Countermeasure Logistic Support Vessels (MCLSVs) are capable of being secondary patrol platforms then I'd agree - my fear is that they will n...

The only real questing for me is do we replace the B1s one for one or buy more? The secondary role of the MCMs is was to be patrol vessels, so I’d argue for another class of 5. Let’s call them B3s which would then become the forward deployed force so that the B2s remain focused on Fisheries, FIPS a...

…the Samual Beckett class … have a 76mm . Yes, but it’s the best the Irish Navy has, so not surprised they’d want a medium gun on it. No we don't need to fit anything more than a 20mm that this time however in context of what replaces the B1's for me it should be more B2's to allow if needed them t...

Lord Jim wrote: ↑08 Dec 2021, 03:27 Where are the 30mm mounts from the retired T-23s going?

Good question - though the CVFs are missing six…

I think we need to remind our self what the B1 are and could be Whilst I really like the River class there is a world of difference between the B1 and B2s. The B1s are true OPVs, whilst perhaps a 30mm (like ex HMS Clyde) would be preferable to a 20mm it is sufficient for it's role in UK waters, any...

I understand that the current ambition is for 24 Sky Sabre launchers which probably means 8-10 Radar units - feels very low given the range of threats this will be tackling on the modern battlefield.

This articles says SkySabre (or LandCeptor)'s radar can handle 24 CAMM missiles at once. T23 has 32 CAMM. T26 has 48 CAMM. And, T31 has 12 CAMM... Surely, not only T31, but even T23/26 is not fully utilizing the systems capacity. Increasing its number shall be important. Hope T26 batch2 carries 96 ...

R686 wrote: ↑06 Dec 2021, 09:57 Dam no like button yet

Ukraine/Poland/Baltic States and Taiwan at the same time is a given at this point. Yay for two front wars. I'm saying this "tongue in cheek", but perhaps it will also be the best time to trigger A16. Might give some perspective to the current discussions and Macron's "war" state...

The US like the EU is trying to get UK to live up to their commitments. No it's not like China at all, but whatever troll on. If only the UK was part of a Union that the economic and political weight to stand up to China/USA(on trade) when it comes down to it. Instead 5 years wasted, 20% economic h...

There is ample difference in size / length to have a River B3 to be between the two. The export potential should not be overlooked. Keeping the drumbeats going when UK orders are scarce will be crucial to maintaining skills and help ensure production costs stay at an acceptable level. Completely ag...

I don't see it as a bad thing to have, when new General Purpose Frigates finished building, to have one GP Frigate apiece in each of the following locations to cover overseas territories / significant shipping lanes… I can see the point but argue that it’s window dressing / flag waving politics onl...

@Tempest414 , personally I would not have the T31s in the groups. For me the concept should be low level forward presence, coupled with the ability to surge / scale warfighting units as required on a more temporary basis. This is primarily due to a disagreement over what the T31 should be - for me ...

Any follow on class should either be an evolution of the B2 with minimal changes to the design or a new class. I still think there is mileage in the adapting the current design, as the last thing the RN needs is another completely new class to onboard. The fact that it has been built overseas under ...

could see the B2 Rivers as light Corvettes, and the Royal Navy doesn't want Corvettes I would see them more as multi-role sloops, but I am splitting hairs. I agree the RN has chosen in the world of limited resources and politics to go for "frigates" and also to maximize their size / endur...

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59506556 Ze EU is wrong, ze USA is wrong, ze Boris is right. If that is even remotely right not much difference between the US and China, using trade as coercion Just my2cents worth I would add my 2 cents to that also. The EU is still on the theme to punish Britain...