The two new Queen Elizabeth carriers are going to be great, however I fail to see how we can have 2 carrier strike groups and defend our own waters in the event of war. I know that a large scale war against a naval, capable of striking the UK is unlikely, but we need that capability.
The QE class carriers would be the 2nd largest in the world and if its ever ready the F-35 will be the only stealth carrier capable aircraft in the world. However it was agreed through the European Defense Agency(EDA) that these carriers would be our contribution to Europe's defense. So British carriers, French submarines, German Frigates and so on. This is all great but what if the EU or NATO wont back the UK? It may of happened in the past, but will it happen again?
In 1990 the Royal Navy had 3 carriers, 14 destroyers and 35 frigates. Now its 0 fixed wing capable carriers, 6 destroyers and 13 frigates. By 2020 the figure is slightly better by a planned 2 carriers, 6 destroyers and 13 new frigates. But already the budget hawks are talking about mothballing or even selling (to who?) the 2nd carrier HMS Prince of Wales to save money.
The fact is that we don't need cold war ship numbers, but we need to capability to defend our interests such as the Falklands and should the need arise to strike at a nation that threatens the UK's interests. I feel that the damage inflicted to our national defense is already putting our citizens at risk.
Well, I do think it's ridiculous we have no sea bourne capability. However - it's extremely arguable whether the UK needs a large navy at all.
ReplyDeleteIn your blog, you specify numbers (number of ships) but as with the Army, it's not numbers they are looking at now, it's kit and survivability.
As with the RAF, I'm not sure there's a need for a big navy...the UK has no power to project.
Unfortunately I think the UK has delusions of grandeur. They are not a major world power anymore and are only there (and clinging on) through their historical abilities. They are way out of their depth in monetary terms and in ability - but they try to strive to stay there because it's where they've always been.
The UK should stop trying to mix it with the big boys and stop trying to "keep up" and look to the future - which is political and aid intervention.
They don't need nuclear weapons anymore. They served a purpose back in the days of the Cold War (a ridiculous purpose it has to be said). But the potential nuclear opponents the UK would likely be threatened by would not care one hoot that they could launch a nuclear strike in retaliation.
Just my two pennies worth.