This armament is therefore mainly intended as a last resort. This means that the ships are better armed than the patrol ships, but there is not much difference. The ATSs are intended for operations in the highest spectrum of violence, such as an amphibious landing. But they must be protected by fri...

Has to be CAUKUS - just waiting for NZ to join so it can be CAUKNZUS

Absolutely - it can also easily add additional automated guns port and starboard also. A 40/57mm gun and two dual feed 30mms would future proof the ships for another decade with minimal cost.

Given the reduction in platforms, I would argue a UK based OPV class that can act as a USV/UUV mothership is not a low priority luxury it’s essential. For what purpose? To do what the B1 Rivers to right now - EEZ patrolling, anti terrorism, anti drug trafficking and supporting littoral operations. ...

Given the reduction in platforms, I would argue a UK based OPV class that can act as a USV/UUV mothership is not a low priority luxury it’s essential. For what purpose? To do what the B1 Rivers to right now - EEZ patrolling, anti terrorism, anti drug trafficking and supporting littoral operations.

I know this is all fantasy and unlikely in the current climate but forgive me this indulgence. No problem with a fantasy fleet, we all have them. My comment is let’s not replace ships that are doing the job rather well already with more expensive ones just because it feels a good idea. It needs to ...

Given the reduction in platforms, I would argue a UK based OPV class that can act as a USV/UUV mothership is not a low priority luxury it’s essential.

Whilst replacing the B1s with a B2 design would be nice it’s absolutely not a priority - it would however not cost £127mn each - I suggest doing some research into what drove that number. For the UK, what is really needed is a River 1+ type ship, the “+” being increased ability to launch and operate...

At the risk of being pedantic 'too much and not enough ' seems to be a judgement about perceived value for money rather than compromise. I'm not clear how they're 'compromised'? In my opinion they are too much (over spec’d) for EEZ patrol and not enough for global patrol as there is too much they c...

Poiuytrewq wrote: ↑06 Apr 2024, 18:55 My opinion hasn’t changed on this.

Retire the 3x RB2’s back to the U.K. EEZ in 2028 and retain the other 2 in the Falklands and Gibraltar.

They are a compromised platform for global patrol and always will be unfortunately.

It’s good that reality is proving the opposite.

"Think small" option (if the budget do not rise sharply and man-power issue is just kept as is, (not getting worse, but not better either) It will need to be “think smaller” if nothing changes. It’s just more managed decline. Much more proactive to illustrate what 2.5% or 3% could provide...

A 40mm or 57mm would definitely be my preference, but AFAIK it has a decent radar for its class and maybe a counter UAV with LMM or even a shoulder fired Starstreak would do the job.

"Think small" option (if the budget do not rise sharply and man-power issue is just kept as is, (not getting worse, but not better either) It will need to be “think smaller” if nothing changes. The RN doesn’t have the crew to man 19 escorts for a start, even with some in refit - 17 max. T...

I’ve also read that the Wildcats cannot carry dipping sonar and torpedoes at the same time due to weight limitations. https://youtu.be/evfy2-0FpmE?si=GZ2DerbC7ZtxWkJd https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2017/february-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-techno...

And you can have the exactly same dipping sonar and processing system that is on merlin on wildcat now. The South Koreans bought it. Thales sell it as compact flash basically they used new materials, replaced hydraulics with electrics to reduce the weight and shrink. And a much shorter cable so no,...

https://www.twitter.com/hms_spey/status/1776030294887497983?s=46&t=uxMT95H5Nr9jAEmCklKdgA Nice video. I can understand those who post on improving the lethality and sensors of the B2, but thankfully the debate about turning them into some sort of 21st century Panzerschiff has died down of late....

Some +ve PR for the RN in a flood of woe

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68748861

It is welcome, it also highlights how far below the 2% of gdp they had fallen (around 1.4% presently) in that this will allow them to reach that target in about 3 years time. The main takeaways for me. • Regardless of the 2% debate, the worsening security picture requires a massive increase in defe...

We discussed this previously, but the RFA can actively operate about 7-8 vessels. Currently being generous it’s 9, but RFA Proteus and RFA Stirling Castle have relatively small crews, whereas Fort Victoria which is currently laid up is significantly more than than the average. In reality the RFA wit...

As many tankers in mothballs as there are inservice https://twitter.com/navylookout/status/1776290443468189892?s=61&t=-w58-AqEK8dlq02bHexwZA Madness - why on earth are we getting them to crew MRoSS and OSV ships when they can’t even provide the basic services they are there for. As someone once...

SW1 wrote: ↑05 Apr 2024, 18:45 As many tankers in mothballs as there are inservice

Madness - why on earth are we getting them to crew MRoSS and OSV ships when they can’t even provide the basic services they are there for.

The LSL/LSTs really need to be purchased and operated by NATO members with Baltic coastlines. A semi-commercial setup similar to the Points make work to keep them active. They would be low tech and cheap, both to procure and operate but in a conflict scenario extremely useful. An alternative could ...

Interesting, and a good reminder that to be relevant the RN needs top tier assets that others want, it’s not about making up numbers. I think however the article understates the value of the T45, which I understand is superior in aspects of its wide area AAW coverage to the AB class also.

How has the way the JEF can respond or pre position thing changed as a result of Sweden and Finland joining nato? Because historically both have tried to tread a careful line of partial neutrality not trying to upset or antagonise Russia. With the invasion of Ukraine and joining NATO that dynamic h...