SU-30SM, SU-35S, and SU-34 flying in formation - Sputnik International, 1920
Military
Get the latest defense news from around the world: breaking stories, photos, videos, in-depth analysis and much more...

Only Two British Navy Destroyers Operational – Reports

© AP Photo / Laura LeonA crew member uses a water hose onboard Britain's Royal Navy warship HMS Westminster in Gibraltar, Monday, Aug. 19, 2013 after the ship arrived for what Britain's government said was a planned naval exercise in the Mediterranean
A crew member uses a water hose onboard Britain's Royal Navy warship HMS Westminster in Gibraltar, Monday, Aug. 19, 2013 after the ship arrived for what Britain's government said was a planned naval exercise in the Mediterranean - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.12.2024
Subscribe
The Royal Navy's destroyer fleet has hit a historic low, with only two out of its six advanced Type 45 destroyers currently operational, The Telegraph reported, citing the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The remaining vessels are undergoing extensive repairs, with four Type 45s in the refit yard at Portsmouth, leaving the fleet at its smallest size in over a century.
Among the issues affecting the fleet is HMS Daring, which has spent more time in maintenance than in active service since its commissioning 12 years ago. Additionally, of the Navy's eight Type 23 frigates, only six are currently operational.
With just 8 out of 14 destroyers and frigates available for duty—compared to over 800 during the Navy's peak in 1945—the UK’s naval strength is at its lowest point since the destroyer programme began under Queen Victoria.
The sharp reduction in operational ships has raised concerns about the nation’s security, with MPs warning that Britain is increasingly vulnerable to sea and air attacks.

“With only two operational destroyers, we simply cannot defend London, let alone the UK. This is something the Defence Select Committee will urgently investigate,” Mike Martin, the MP for Tunbridge Wells, told the British newspaper.

HMS Queen Elizabeth - Sputnik International, 1920, 05.02.2024
Analysis
HMS Queen Elizabeth's Technical Woes Highlight 'Systemic Problems' in West's Largest Weapon Programs
Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала