Gabriele wrote:. MHPC should have a decent sensors fit in an integrated mast; possibly a medium calibre gun and space reservation or, better, an installed CAMM battery. The stern should be all space for the embarked capability modules; initially MCM and survey, and probably, over time, also more fighty stuff. I'm pretty sure ASW will be the next area where we will see developments, so one day it might have a use in ASW
what you have described there is a GP type 26.
WhitestElephant wrote:MHPC would have the ability to conduct low intensity constabulary tasks too
Every vessel in the Royal navy and royal fleet auxiliary has the ability to conduct low intensity constabulary tasks. I dont think the navy is short on patrol boats, we're building 3 extra that we dont need. If you want a boost in surface constabulary a MPA and some cheap cutters.
Every extra penny we have needs to be spent on getting a proper amount of frigates. The Royal Navy has not faded and is still very strong, and this needs to be maintained. When we turn up to war games and joint operations we will look much better in a frigate than a patrol boat.
Coalitions look to be the future of conflict, clearly the Americans are going to have the most influence on decisions, but what is important is our ability to influence these decisions. This influence comes by being able to offer the most credible force to the coalition. Consider the following scenarios:
------- We could offer a frigate and 7 patrol boats to support an american task group.
------- We could offer 5 frigates and build our own task group with support from the patrol boats of smaller navies
Now which one would get us the talking stick most in the planning room?