The British Royal Navy has shrunk significantly in 70 years.
Aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Photo by UK Ministry of Defense
In the past, Great Britain was known as the Mistress of the Seas. Its navy fleet was the largest in the world and allowed the flag to be displayed and the country's interests to be promoted in any region. However, in recent decades the situation has changed.
The quantitative and qualitative indicators of the Royal Navy (RNM) have significantly decreased, which is causing concern to the British authorities. Attempts are being made to maintain at least the current level, but their success is not guaranteed.
Goals and objectives
In terms of goals and objectives, the Royal Navy of Great Britain is a typical fleet of a developed country. Its main goal is to protect the coastal zone and maritime borders of the state, as well as promote national interests in remote regions.
The naval composition of the fleet and its equipment make it possible to solve tactical and strategic problems. The structure of the KVMF corresponds to modern developed naval forces, although it has its own characteristics.
The fleet includes several formations of surface ships, submarine forces, coastal units and sea aviation. In addition, air force units with appropriate equipment are involved to solve problems at sea. In some situations, the fleet must cooperate with ground forces.
The Royal Navy operates three main naval bases in the UK: Devonport, Portsmouth and Clyde. In addition, there are bases and logistics points in the Middle East, Singapore and the Falkland Islands. Naval aviation operates three airfields in the UK. If necessary, the KVMF can use foreign ports and air bases.
The number of personnel in the Royal Navy of Great Britain is approximately 32 thousand people, which is about 22% of the total number of military personnel. Most military personnel serve in surface and submarine forces. There are 6,6 thousand people in the Marine Corps, and 4,9 thousand people in Naval Aviation. In addition, there is a naval reserve, which numbers more than 6 thousand people.
Ship composition
The Royal Navy (RMF) has a relatively small number of submarines - only 10 pennants of various types. The last Trafalgar-class nuclear attack submarine and five newer Astute-class nuclear submarines are in service. The fleet also includes four Vanguard-class strategic missile submarines. Submarines of this type are the only component of the UK's strategic nuclear forces.
The surface forces of the Russian Navy are represented by approximately three dozen ships of various classes. First of all, these are two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which were received in the second half of the 2010s. From 2009 to 2013, six Daring-class destroyers entered service with the fleet. Nine Duke-class frigates, built between 1992 and 2002, also remain in service. Eight River-class patrol ships are designed for operations in the coastal zone. The landing fleet includes only two ships of the Albion project. There are less than a dozen pennants in the mine-sweeping force.
The KVMF's own aviation includes several anti-submarine squadrons on AW101 and AW159 helicopters, as well as transport and training units. At the same time, nine P-8A anti-submarine aircraft belonging to the Royal Air Force are used in patrol missions. The air force also includes carrier-based F-35B fighters in an amount of at least 32 units.
Type 82 frigate HMS Somerset (F23). Photo by Westward Shipping News
The KVMF includes only one marine brigade, which has rifle units, artillery calculations, engineers and other specialists.
The main transport for the Marine Corps is the BvS-10 transporters, of which there are about 100 units. The brigade's artillery consists of several dozen towed 105 mm guns and 81 mm mortars.
In addition, the Marine Corps has about 25 boats of various types at its disposal.
Actual problems
In recent years, the UK's armed forces, including the Royal Navy, have faced a number of serious challenges. These problems negatively affect the current state of the fleet and its combat and operational capabilities. The question arises about the further development of the KVMF and its ability to maintain even the current indicators.
Like other branches of the armed forces, the KVMF is experiencing difficulties in the area of personnel. The current number of military and civilian personnel does not meet all requirements and does not allow all positions and posts to be fully staffed. The number of recruits is also insufficient for the timely and complete replenishment of all units and units.
The UK has long since reduced the composition of its strategic nuclear forces, and now they only include a naval component. This component is represented by only four ballistic missile submarines, and only two of them can be maintained in a condition suitable for going to sea. Another problem of strategic nuclear forces is the lack of their own nuclear warheads and delivery systems. Trident II SLBMs and their warheads are leased from the United States, and the use of such weapons depends on the latter.
The surface fleet also faces limited numbers and capability. The two existing aircraft carriers are undergoing repairs in turns and cannot go to sea at the same time. Renewing the fleet is also difficult. In the past decade, with all efforts, it was possible to build only 6 modern destroyers and replace older ships. At the same time, we have to continue operating not the newest Type 23 frigates.
The destroyer HMS Daring of the same project. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
In connection with the construction of two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, modern F-35B carrier-based fighters were purchased. At the moment, a sufficient number of these aircraft have already been received, but their full deployment remains to be seen.
Rescue Plan
The British military and political leadership is aware of the problems of its fleet and is taking steps to solve them. Currently, various programs are being implemented to modernize the structure of the fleet, build new ships, and so on.
The first results of these programs are expected over the next few years, but full implementation of the plans will take much longer.
In recent years, issues of quantity and quality of personnel have been actively discussed at different levels. Various measures are being proposed and considered to increase the number of recruits and reduce the number of people leaving.
Proposed measures include increasing pay and expanding social programs to make the Army and Navy a more attractive alternative to other jobs for potential recruits. More radical proposals are also being made, such as the return of compulsory service.
The problems of ship personnel are solved through the development and construction of new ships. Currently, several programs are being implemented that determine the prospects for both surface and submarine forces.
Construction of Astute-class multipurpose nuclear submarines continues. The next ship of this type is scheduled to be delivered at the end of this year, and another one is under construction. Construction of the Vanguard-class strategic submarines has been completed, and a design for an advanced ballistic missile submarine codenamed Dreadnought is currently being developed. In the coming years, this program will reach the laying of the lead submarine.
One of the first Type 26 frigates under construction. Photo by BAE Systems
During the second half of the decade, the Royal Navy plans to receive 5 new Type 31 frigates. Three of them are already under construction. Construction of the first eight Type 26 frigates has also begun. All of these ships will gradually replace the existing Type 23 frigates and to some extent increase the potential of the surface forces.
In addition, various initiatives are also being proposed or already implemented in other areas. The KVMF's plans provide for the gradual development of other components of the surface forces, auxiliary fleet, coastal troops, and so on. We are talking not only about traditional components and means of the fleet, but also about fundamentally new developments. For example, recently the KVMF has shown great interest in unmanned surface and underwater vehicles.
Uncertain prospects
Since the end of the Cold War, the UK has significantly reduced defense and security spending. This was due to changes in the military-political situation, internal economic problems and the desire to shift responsibility for collective defense to the main ally - the United States.
By saving on the armed forces and the Royal Navy (KVMF), the country's leadership managed to optimize the budget and free up funds for other areas and areas. However, such measures have had a negative impact on defense, and London is now facing the consequences.
The situation in Europe and surrounding regions is constantly deteriorating, and Great Britain needs a developed fleet to defend its interests. However, the existing KVMF has now degraded both quantitatively and qualitatively, and its restoration and strengthening requires time and money.
Just a few days ago the government changed in Great Britain. The new authorities will have to resolve defense issues, including in the context of restoring and strengthening the Royal Navy. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already announced his willingness to do everything possible to ensure national security. However, the current situation clearly hints that it will not be easy to fulfill such promises.
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