RichardIC wrote:Jensy wrote:On balance, the fact they've been named/announced and the purchasing of long-lead items, specifically the motors from GE Power Conversion in Rugby suggests they are 'relatively' safe:
Honestly wouldn't take any assurance from that.
Point taken! Though at least we're not trying to build the Type 26s on decommissioned County Class Destroyer hulls.
As I say, 'relatively' safe. Which is more than could be said about the Albion Class, mine hunting fleet or much of the RFA beyond the Tides and Bays.
The things the Type 26 has going for it, aside from the design being successfully exported, are largely political:
- Warships built of the Clyde and the fact the SNP wouldn't shut up if we dropped below eight.
- The never-ending spectre of Scottish Independence.
- The USA (regardless of who wins the election) losing confidence in their European allies.
- BAE's national champion status and the risk to the wider economy.
- New and very patriotic Tory voters in the (former) Industrial North who will feel betrayed.
- A large and rather bitter group of overwhelmingly pro-defence back-benchers who've had just about enough of Boris/Dom.
Still nothing is guaranteed until the eighth Type 26 hoists the White Ensign...