DSEI 2023: Has the Royal Navy cut back its support vessel fleet too far?
The new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will provide essential dry stores replenishment to the RN and enable long-duration deployments globally. (Photo: BMT)
In the early 2000s the complaint in the Royal Navy was that it had mortgaged its future to get the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers into service and as a result had suffered significant cuts to its surface combatant fleet.
This is being rectified with new frigate and destroyer programmes on the cards. Nonetheless, with the focus on replenishing high-end warship numbers, the price now being paid is that cuts have fallen on the RN’s support ship capability instead.
Over recent years, to provide the MoD with savings the RN’s support ship capability, largely provided by the Royal Fleet
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.