A parliamentary defence committee has warned that Britain’s Royal Navy is struggling to meet the demands of modern security threats, particularly in the high north, due to persistent shortfalls in submarine and warship availability. Concerns were raised over the delayed deployment of a key vessel to Cyprus, a reduction in frigate numbers, and reports that all operational attack submarines were simultaneously in dock this summer. Lawmakers argue the current pace of naval expansion is insufficient to deter potential Russian aggression in critical maritime regions. The committee stresses that urgent and substantial improvements are required by the end of the decade to address these gaps.
Committee cites shortfalls of submarines and warships and says ‘dramatic progress’ needed by end of decadeBritain risks failing to deter future Russian aggression in the high north beyond the UK because of shortfalls in the number and availability of Royal Navy submarines and warships, MPs on the defence select committee have said.The committee focused on the slow deployment of HMS Dragon to Cyprus this spring, declining numbers of frigates, and reports that all five Astute-class attack submarines were in dock this summer as evidence of a navy under-resourced for the threat. Continue reading...
