Poiuytrewq wrote:Repulse wrote: This really leaves only the MRSS as an option, but with it's potential MCM mothership role (also mentioned by the 1SL)
It sounded like the MRSS is going to be the platform of choice for the new MCM kit although there was a mention of utilising commercial vessels also.
My concern is how many vessels the proposed six MRSS are now going to replace.
The list seems to get ever longer:
Ocean
Argus
2x Albions
4x Bays
The entire MCMV fleet (originally 28 MCMV’s)
The introduction of the MRSS could end up being being one of the biggest cuts in RN post war history.
I do NOT share the idea that "6 MRSS are cuts".
Compared to the capability now RN has,
- Ocean was replaced by Prince of Whales. Done.
- Argus replacement is currently under debate. --> 1
- Only 1 of the 2 Albions are active. --> 1 or 2
- Only 3 Bays are remaining. --> 3
This gives 5 or 6 vessels to be replaced. Six MRSS matches here, no cuts.
12 MCMV fleets are replaced with 10-15 sets of autonomous MCM kits.
- 4 of them assigned to Persian Gulf can be merged into the MCM kits operating from the Bay (already assigned there). This will be coupled with another 4 "in rotation", meaning this capability is replacing 8 MCMVs.
- A few MCMVs assigned for Clyde clearance and Port clearance can be replaced by autonomous MCM kits operated from land.
- A few (or a several) Mine Countermeasure Logistic Support Vessels are reported to be included in the modified NSbS (see Navylookout). They will do "the other jobs" well.
I understand it is debatable, but I see no cuts here. When we want to "increase" the asset numbers from 2020's ones back to the pre-2010 era level, yes we need more ships.
Personally, the 5 River B2 OPVs added to the fleet, coupled with its very high tempo of operation (longer sea-going days) is very significant, and thus there seems no cuts here in number of ships for patrol capability.
What we need to be careful is,
- HMS Scot replacement
- need for dedicated replacement for HMS Echo and Enterprise.
- losing 3 River B1s on 2028 is a cut, I agree. But it will be well compensated by replacing the 5 T23GP (with low availability, because it is complex and old) with 5 T31 (simpler and new). Nonetheless, this is a cut.