With the recent announcement by France to purchase 10 new OPVs to replace older vessels it is interesting to compare and contrast the future of both navies.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... -new-opvs/
France is a regional power, with a global reach and significant forward presence. In a lot of ways where the UK is heading. Looking at the surface ships, the core of the future navy looks something like:
- 1 x CVN
- 3 x LHDs
- 4 x AAW DDs
- 6 x ASW DDs
- 5 x Light (ASW) FFs
- 6 x Surveillance FFs (Corvettes)
- 17 x Large OPVs
- 4 x Logistic Support Ships
Compared to a future RN of:
- 2 x CVFs
- 2 x LPDs
- 3 x LSDs
- 6 x AAW DDs
- 8 x ASW FFs
- 5 x Light GP FFs
- 8 x OPVs
- 6 x Tankers
- 3 x FSSs
Now it’s true that France has more territories, which would explain the higher number of OPVs and Corvettes. The MN is focused on a part time CBG combined with 3 smaller (LHD focused) task groups. The RN on the other hand is focused on having an always available CBG with two lower level LRGs. However, overall the desired effect is similar.
Some broad observations:
- Both navies will have a similar number of significant platforms (46 MN v 45 RN)
- The RN will have more than twice the number of logistical ships than France - does it need so many?
- The RN has half the number of flat decks that the MN will have - argument for another for the RN?
- The RN has 5 LPDs/LSDs v 3 MN LHDs - argument to cut the number of RN amphibious ships?
- The MN will have 11 ASW “capable” ships v the RN 8, does the RN need more?