In a ‘secret’ document revealed in today’s Daily Telegraph, Labour ministers are planning to slash the number of ships in the Royal Navy from 103 at present to 50 in 2027. While the purchase of two new carriers is confirmed, in others domains news are bleak to say the least. The numbers of frigates is scheduled to be reduced by 8 to just 9 units, of the present 13 submarines, up to 2 might not be replaced, the whole of the minesweeper fleet currently amounting to 16 units is due to be decommissioned and as far as the Auxiliary fleet is concerned, no less than 14 units will disappear.

In the present world climate, with the threat of Islamic terrorism, a resurgent Russia and an ambitious China, these cuts are ill advised to say the least. Before having a look at the offensive capabilities of the Royal Navy, it is also worth to remember that the Royal Navy must protect the home waters, but also waters around our overseas territories, the Falklands, Saint Helena, Pitcairn, Bermuda and twelve others places spread all around the globe. At present this task is devolved to our patrol ships, however since the 9 units are slated for removal by 2027 and perhaps much earlier, it is very fair to say that places like the Falklands will be defenceless by then. One of the reasons why Argentina attacked the islands back in 1982, was pencilled decommission of HMS Endurance, a patrol ship attached to the islands since 1967.

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The recent actuality is full with news concerning the sailors and marines captured by Iran. How despicable the attitude of Iran might be, diplomacy is for the moment the only option in this affair, but at the some time some key weakness on our part are highlighted.

Some may question why the captured personnel did not opened fired on the approaching Iranian vessel. The answer is fairly easy, the Royal Navy is abiding to UN-made rules of engagement, so that the sailors could not fire unless fired upon. But at the same time a crucial weakness is also highlighted, inadequate air cover.

Had sufficient air cover been provided, the Iranian vessel would have been sighted miles off, by any plane and even dozens of miles off by a radar plane such as an E-2 Hawkeye. The air cover provided by Invincible class carriers, is wholly insufficient as radar planes or modern fighters can’t be deployed. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War, it is also worth remembering that had air cover been provided, from a large aircraft carrier capable of deploying normal fighter planes, the war would have been much shorter and losses dues, to Argentine air attacks considerably reduced.

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