Re: Current & Future Escorts - General Discussion
Posted: 18 Jan 2022, 17:22
The CDS’s view in questioning by the defence select committee is polar opposite to yours on type 31 and where they would send it are you saying he is wrong.Repulse wrote: ↑18 Jan 2022, 17:06Because whilst the build line is there, the money is not.donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑18 Jan 2022, 15:21 Again, as T26 build line is there, UK can add some anytime. T31 line can do anything other. MRSS, OPV, Point replacement, Wave replacement etc... No loss there?
You could argue that the T32 budget can be repurposed for the late 2020s / early 2030s, so we can swap in 2-3 more T26s but what requirement will not be met. My other point is that the production line has been based on a 20 month drumbeat - slotting in even one more for delivery between 2029 and mid 2038 would mean a drumbeat of 16 months, and three more would be almost an annual drumbeat. Given the lack of investment into a Frigate Factory I can't see this happening - so the alternative is to extend the production window into the late 2030s delaying the T83.
A 57mm (plus potentially other defensive weapons) would allow a B2 River to tackle terrorist level UAVs. I would see this in the constabulary threat level (in hindsight my example wasn't great).donald_of_tokyo wrote: ↑18 Jan 2022, 15:21 ...
My point is, T31 is exactly the ship to counter these threats.
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These "new threats" will be there, at the same time with "Russia and China".
So, "T31 as-is" is needed, at the same time RN need "more T26 or alike".
What's wrong here
However, my point is different. If the budget was increased then I would have no problem with the T31. But in a time of very limited funds, but a clear and present danger from "superpowers" (either directly or indirectly) then we need to focus as much of our resources on platforms that can fight a hot war - this is both channeling funds into high end capabilities, but also having platforms (e.g. Rivers + MROSSs) to do the low level activities to ensure the high end ones are free when needed.
It's great that the T31 can effectively tackle a fast boat swarm or UAV threat, but what next. For example, the proliferation of submarines is increasing - Myanmar for example has just got it's second from China. Would you be happy to operate a T31 near Myanmar?
I do not see the need for a platform that is somehow in the middle, an expensive constabulary vessel, but a liability in a hot war. Also, I do not think the RN (or any navy) think they can start or participate in a conflict without the real possibility that the enemy will have access to at least some level of tier-one capabilities - you go in with your A-team, in the RN's case the CSG + SSNs.