sakaragold wrote:None of the Astute class boats are currently available.
This does not tally with information I have from sources I trust absolutely.
The Navy has confined them to port awaiting a decision on the best way forward to fix severe quality related corrosion issues in reactor coolant pumps and pipework. There is also a huge issue over the source of the lead used to protect sensors in the reactor itself, virgin lead sourced from a deep mine is necessary for this (lead that has not been exposed to the residual atmospheric radiation from the 40's & 50's nuclear bomb tests which is causing the current epidemic of cancer in Western Europe) The MoD failed to understand this specification and allowed cheaper re-cycled lead to be used, consequently the calibration of the sensors was incorrect resulting in inaccurate readings which has caused the reactors to run too hot, which in turn has caused severe propulsion train damage.
Firstly, where did you get this information? The fact that you're publishing it on a public forum (if it's accurate) indicates that you are either not employed by BAE/the MoD/the Armed Forces or you're in breach of the official secrets act if you are. If you're outside then I would question where you got this information and its veracity.
The numerous, serious design flaws in the Astute class boats have not been fully published by the UK press and there has not been a public discussion ("not in the national interest to let taxpayers know how incompetent, corrupt and treasonous the MoD is old boy" ) Submariners are a suspicious lot and the fact that the Navy is refusing to serve on Astute class boats or the vintage Trafalgar class boats (also in dock) speaks volumes.
This does not reflect reality and on this I can assure you my sources are likely better than yours.
Our primary opponent - the Russians - seem to be well aware of the fact that none of the RN's hunter-killer boats are at sea (funny that - how come the Russians know more about these issues than UK taxpayers?) and have twice fearlessly sent their Syria task-force through the Channel over the last two years.
Why do you presume that there wasn't an RN SSN in attendance? Also the Russians have every right to do that, the Channel is international waters and they have the right of passage through them.
They actually stopped 7 miles of Devenport in 2015 and undertook a 4 day amphibious assault exercise! Fortunately the Admiralty was able to despatch a River class patrol ship to keep an eye on them.
7 miles off Devonport. 5 miles within the UK's territorial waters. So you're claiming Russia's armed forces invaded the United Kingdom's sovreign territory in 2015. Excuse me if I'm skeptical.