Not disagreeing with you. But do we have clarity on what their expected role would be?Repulse wrote: ↑30 Oct 2022, 18:59The three B1 Rivers need replacing them I’d argue 4 at least to compliment the other unmanned MCM capable platforms. We’d be towards 2035 by then on a one per year drum beat so just in time for B2 replacements.tomuk wrote: ↑30 Oct 2022, 17:48Yes there was a rational for a combined class combining mine hunting, hydrographic and patrol but it would need to be focused on the specialist requirements of the mine hunting and hydrographic roles. Patrol would be secondary. However by buying the B2s the patrol element is fulfilled.
If fishery protection and policing UK's maritime EEZ, then don't need to be as big as even River B1's and be armed with anything heavier than 12.7mm HMG.
If shadowing Russian warships and protecting UK's North Sea oil & gas platforms then arguably want something bigger and better armed.
The former could be maybe 1500t OPV whilst the latter could be around 3,000t Sloop / Corvette.