This is the obvious way forward and I believe it could actually save money by reducing the number of Aster15. A mix of Aster30, CAMM and possibly CAMM-ER could be a very effective and well balanced load. Detailed analysis of the performance of Aster 15 compared with CAMM/CAMM-ER is crucial to assess if Aster15 can be removed altogether.Tempest414 wrote:this is why I feel it is important to fit the carriers with CAMM then up T45s missile load out to 100+ missilesPoiuytrewq wrote:How can you ensure the safety of the Amphibious Task Group if your T45's are 200nm away with the CSG?
Personally I think the amidships location is the most likely for adding extra CAMM cells.
Completely agree about the ASW escort frigates but realistically I think we need more of these vessels than fully loaded T26's. If we had 6 to 8 such vessels then we could probably get away with 4 to 6 fully loaded T26's. This is why my preferred outcome is to build 6 fully loaded T26's and 6 much more basic escort frigates that are optimised for ASW and based on the T26 hull. Sadly this outcome looks extremely unlikely. This is my preferred option but there are other options that could still achieve a good outcome.build 5 carrier group only ASW frigates to release the type 26s which if needed could escort the amphib group plus offer NGS and land attack when the group starts it off loading
When assessing the structure of any future UK CSG I think we have got the ASW and AAW elements sorted. It will require a large proportion of our destroyers, frigates and a precious Astute but we can cover it. The problem is apart from TAPS we realistically can't do much else. We are very much becoming a one trick pony.
Effectively this leaves few if any escorts for any Amphibious Task Group. We simply don't have the numbers now to escort a CSG and an Amphibious Task Group simultaneously at short notice or for an extended period. By going down the double CVF route a conscious decision has been taken to remove the UK's Sovereign ability to conduct both Carrier Strike and Amphibious operations simultaneously. I don't believe that removing this capability was planned, it has come about due to a realisation that due to current financial constraints, this is the best we can do. I think it's totally unacceptable.
The solution is simple. Either completely bin or generously upgrade the T31 programme. Effectively, instead of "growing the Royal Navy", the T31 programme is removing our ability to act alone if required. It is tying our hands and making the UK completely reliant on Allies. Balancing budgets is one thing but removing our Sovereign capability to act alone if required for less than £2bn spread over the next 5 to 10 years is completely irresponsible. A solution must be found.