Concerning the T31 weapons fit - are they not getting the NSM from the T23 when they retire ? so instead of getting possible 8,16 or 32 mk 41 would it be better ( cheaper ) to fit ExLS for just CAMM, as they will be our tier 2 ships & save the high end FCASW stock for the T26 & tier1 ships ...

With all this real world data perhaps it’s time to consolidate around 57mm, 40mm and 127mm Surely this "real world data" suggests that the T45 current fit works and doesn't need replacing? By "current fit works" do you mean spending £1m+ Aster 30 Missiles to take down drones tha...

The bodged together Supacat HMT / ASRAAM has achieved 90% hit success in Ukraine. Maybe it might be a good idea to have a few ourselves, to supplement the few assets that we currently have. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-uk-bolsters-ukraines-air-defence-after-putins-latest-air-strikes Benif...

donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑08 Jan 2024, 09:23

wargame_insomniac wrote: ↑08 Jan 2024, 08:57 "Job advert for Able Seafarer working 5 weeks on, 5 weeks off on an unnamed RFA ship"
That, to me, seems to suggest a UK based RFA with quite short deployments or tasks....

I understand ALL RFA vessels are operated as such?

Ah. Thanks for clarifying.

Interesting post. By doing this, "cheapish salary" issue can be solved? The moment you out source something, "man-power cost" can be converted into "(service) procurement cost". However, if the salary of these posts are higher than those in RN and RFA, this action may ...

I have said before that an "F35 capable LHD" is not realistic IMO, even before the recent round of RN news stories and rumours.Plus we need a suitable design and the Damen Enforcer LHD seems to have been little more than a quick drawing. I agreed with you previously about your pproposal of...

Yes, I am bias to believe what I want to be true, yet in all honesty I trust Gabriele more than Tabloids with some of the dumbest defence reporters touting up un-sourced rumors. https://twitter.com/Gabriel64869839/status/1743730050472493189 I hoped we could keep Bulwark operational at least until Q...

Ok but what is the problem if it is perceived as such? Will Russia be upset? Iran? Brazil? I had said earlier: I think US and UK unilaterally attacking the Houthis is a strategic mistake, in particular how it may appear to the moderate states in the Arab World - countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan,...

Ok but what is the problem if it is perceived as such? Will Russia be upset? Iran? Brazil? I had said earlier: I think US and UK unilaterally attacking the Houthis is a strategic mistake, in particular how it may appear to the moderate states in the Arab World - countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan,...

I think US and UK unilaterally attacking the Houthis is a strategic mistake, in particular how it may appear to the moderate states in the Arab World - countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain should be our natural allies in the region. Otherwise we risk them being ...

I think US and UK unilaterally attacking the Houthis is a strategic mistake, in particular how it may appear to the moderate states in the Arab World - countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain should be our natural allies in the region. Otherwise we risk them being ...

Strange article of cobbled together threads but it does raise one interesting question. It now appears that no matter how many Frigates are decommissioned RN always has enough escorts to perform operational commitments. If so, why is 24 the target and how few would the number need to drop to for th...

Neither does the auxilary. It could take four XLUUVs up to the GIUK gap drop them off and come back and pick them up three months later a the end of their patrol. A UAV\USV\UUV may well be useful on a frigate as loyal wingman to the Merlin or an adjunct to its' tail but they would likely be smaller...

If NATO could truly rely on Turkey, then this would be great news for further reinforcing NATO's southern Flank in both Black Sea and Med. If Turkey continues to sit on the fence, to try and act as a middleman, but always acting purely in Turkey's perceived own interests, then this could yet be a fu...

I think US and UK unilaterally attacking the Houthis is a strategic mistake, in particular how it may appear to the moderate states in the Arab World - countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain should be our natural allies in the region. Otherwise we risk them being ...

I think US and UK unilaterally attacking the Houthis is a strategic mistake, in particular how it may appear to the moderate states in the Arab World - countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain should be our natural allies in the region. Otherwise we risk them being b...

same question So had this happened 4 months ago when HMS dauntless was in the Caribbean and participating in United States south command Exercise Unitas by coincidence off the Colombian coast (sending a message maybe) with Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France...

I would love for them to receive T31's 57mm and twin 40mm gun load out as an additional ring of defence. In these days of mass drone attacks, I think T31's gun systems will become hugely appreciated. This forum has, in general, a very touching faith in the efficiency of gun based AA systems. The po...

I agree they are large platforms with potential to modify their load outs by substituting the Sylver silo with Mk41, gun systems etc. However it won't happen, the midlife update adds Sea Ceptor and a full Astor 30 load out, with the possibility of future Astor variants. A radar update and of course...

same question So had this happened 4 months ago when HMS dauntless was in the Caribbean and participating in United States south command Exercise Unitas by coincidence off the Colombian coast (sending a message maybe) with Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France...

Happy New Year to one and all.

Message sent :-) What message? That the OPV can put out a passable lunch for the local dignitaries? The Venezuelan Navy has a total of 4*OPV, 6*Gunboats and 18*Patrol Boats (presume that the latter are for coastal / riverine use). Yes their OPV have 76mm Oto Melara main guns, so they outgun the Riv...

I would also not class the 114mm as a credible offensive weapon anymore as modern land based artillery out ranges it The 127mm on T-26 will change this as with Vulcano rounds it make 90+ km's The key word in that phrase is "modern". What aspects of the Venzualan armed forces can realistic...

India to send P8 aircraft and 3 destroyers to patrol against supposed Houthi attacks in Indian Ocean / Gulf of Aden. Not clear exactly what area they will be covering and whether working alone or as part of a multinational Maritime Task Force. But it is a start in getting one of the main non-aligne...

India to send P8 aircraft and 3 destroyers to patrol against supposed Houthi attacks in Indian Ocean / Gulf of Aden. Not clear exactly what area they will be covering and whether working alone or as part of a multinational Maritime Task Force. But it is a start in getting one of the main non-aligned...