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...

Going back to this thread what ships / boats / craft are required to operate in such a region? Especially if most of the trained troops will already be based in Camp Viking? It’s not the MRSS designs we’ve seen IMO. I agree but it may not be a vehicle at all. Chinooks and heavy lift UAVs may become...

…Simply that the world changed post Feb22 and planning hasn’t caught up with Sweden/Finland in particular… We have been exercising with Sweden and Finland long before 2022. Your premise that the world changed in feb 22 is I believe wrong. I actually think you are both right. JEF was around before 2...

lots of potential resources Still resources. Also resources that they are denying others access to. Remember - Britain denying Germany access to the Middle Eastern oilfields was one of the most significant actions of WW2. Lack of fuel crippled the German war effort But they are still in the ground ...

Where is the plan for the British Army to operate at scale in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic? What does scale mean? No country is ready to act effectively in those regions at anything beyond a few thousand troops - maybe on paper but the readiness/kit/logistics to sustain a large operation beyond a batt...

I personally cannot see anything beyond a “trip wire” Army Battlegroup being of sense to deploy to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia when it comes to traditional units. Russia will not invade until it feels it has an overwhelming majority, which means that these countries will be captured or cut off in ...

I dont think there is any realistic scenario where Russian military assets start attacking merchant shipping heading to western nato nations. There maybe intimidation like we are seeing in the Philippine sea from China at the minute. There maybe interference with navigation systems as we have seen ...