I suggested 3 type 26 because I believe we have started purchasing parts already for the first 3 , I just prefer the spartan as a better type 23 replacement but needs to be built in similar numbers . I dont see the need for the expensive auto 127 mm gun, 16 silo,s plus 8 tube launched = 24, 32- 36 c...

We need a long range stand off ASW missile ala ASROC we no longer have enough helicopters to conduct large scale ASW operations . So
A) can ASROC be extended and can its range be increased?
B) could tomahawk be adapted to carry a torpedo ?
C) is there any other option ?

I think the batch 2 need to be upgunned to give them a more global capability exactly by how much is a matter for debate . The question of fisheries and control of U.K. waters after brexit needs a bit of thought , it could be similar to now or it could need a major increase and that is discounting a...

whatever we get with type26 the key word is " EXPENSIVE " . Spartan as a type23 would have to be ASW quietend and equipped all not just part of the fleet like type 23 .
I have a feeling that type 26 has now taken so long that it has been passed by ie no under flight deck mission bay .

The Archer class does need replacing / supplementing with an upgunned version for coastal / harbour defense . I believe RN vessels should be well armed , unarmed vessels belong in the civilian arena .

With the loss of a commando and the reduction to 2 battle groups we no longer have an amphibious brigade but a raiding force actually the original focus of the royal marine commandos in WW II. As such we should be looking to equip with ships designed to fit the force that we have now not what we had...

Anyone think type 26 will be capped at 3 and construction shifted to type 31? Personally I like the spartan design seems like a perfectly good replacement for the type 23 , all depends on price and quietness.

Could Fort Victoria be converted to a pure stores ship ?

Agree entirely with the fact that we are short of ASW assets and AAW for that matter , however due to mission creep , capability creep, gold plating etc type 26 is no longer what is needed . No more than 4 Type 26 should be built before switching to a proper ASW focused escort . I do like the Sparta...

We have the through deck cruiser design which became Invincible , can be updated to be a real multi capability . My only question would be could we do it cheap enough .

cancel type 26 move to type 31 ASW/GP FRIGATE for escort work . I agree the cruiser would need defensive armament CAMM and phalanx as minimum could possibly mount tube mounted asuw missiles if detached. However the main role for these would be with the carrier/amphib groups and as part of ASW groups .

Spartan design is what type 26 should have been

For me ASW is helicopters , submarines and tass tugs , in future adding more off board systems . Unfortunately we have not enough of anything. Mission bays are not the answer , what is needed is a new through deck cruiser ( but lets not convert into an aircraft carrier like we did with the Invincibl...

We are missing a trick with the RNR it needs expanding and given a role , mcm is one as historically but amphibious is another

Like the look of this as a light frigate certainly for me better than the BAE offerings. Not an ASW frigate but there again thats not what is being asked for.
Excerpt by me lol.

Could the lpd,s be converted to other roles ie a repair ship or a disaster relief/ hospital ship funded by other dept (overseas aid )manned by a civilian crew with most military equipment removed . This would allow the manning of POW and future commando carrier , would need a couple of enhanced Bay,...

Type 45 really is a one trick pony , it's saving grace is that is the best in the world at that particular trick . The solution is that we must utilise the strength of the type 45 and not put it in a position where it's weaknesses make it a liability .

Agree Donald san opv is a tier 3 asset but as we have no tier 2 at present the opv.s will have to do tier2 roles

we have a major shortage of SURFACE WARSHIPS not just escorts , escorting 2 CVBG and an ARG is not our only role but IS the only role 6 type 45 and 8 type 26 will be capable of. I agree that these numbers are adequate for this , however what about our other taskings both current and unforseen at thi...

agreed we need a super type 31 for roles between type 45 and 26 ,( type 83 anyone ) but I also think we need the low end patrol version of the venator 110 to cover all our low end roles , and maybe MCM but I think the future here is drones. The venator can be upgraded if the need arose in future .

Using all the protected vehicles mastiff , ridegeback , husky , wolfhound , foxhound et al could we form a protected mobility brigade say of 4 battalions and recce regiment + support units . I see this as a rear area brigade supporting the forward armoured brigades .

I agree one Carrier can't combine both roles adequately hence the need for separate amphibious capability . However if we are not going to kick the door in or go across a defended beach I can't see anything other than a vertical assault into undefended areas, however one point I would make is exactl...

Could we design a new SSN based on the Dreadnought and build it concurrently could even be classified as a SSgn and carry vertically launched cruise missiles thus releasing the Astutes to return to pure attack sub roles

type 31 needs to be a specialised ASW ESCORT , personally I would use the type 26 hull but would equip it for ASW and local area defence roles only . Hopefully this could be cheaper . I think where i am getting to is reversing the original type 26 plan to 5 general purpose type 26 and 8 ASW type 31 ...

will we have 4 ready for 2018 ?