Quote:
Originally Posted by ikalugin
He is a submariner, so he was thinking from pure mil perspective I guess and he really wanted surface and subsurface assets forward deployed.
I guess yes, UK is a bit constrained with resources seeing how the new programs are going. For the basing argument I think that it could be packaged nicely into the overall program, like we did with Kilos for the Black Sea.
3-4 submarines provide better coverage than 1-2 submarines, even if the two are more capable, particularly when selecting between the mixes.
Note how you have omitted the Arctic and how many of those areas would benefit from having in theatre submarines in general (recon and spec ops, threat of SLCMs etc) without them needing SSNs specifically.
A small number of them can be offloaded to UUVs though I guess.
p.s. are there tables for the RN technical readiness on the lines of Shishkin's work?
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To answer your last question first: I do not and cannot comment on the technical or operational readiness be it a comment in the form of the Past, Present or Future of the RN, RFA or any of our NATO Partners fleets.
Any such disclosure remains at the discretion of the UK MOD and NATO.
I therefore never comment or reveal sources that may include this information, however open sources are available using the RN website
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The current UK is tied right now with this Brexit dilemma and as such funding for the MOD is not of major concern, depending on which government gets into or remains in power will depend which way funding will go. (i have my own views)
I agree 3-4 submarines do provide better operational capabilities and allows more on station at one time that we cannot deny.
But we have a serious issue with crewing right now, specifically with submarines and its why we have switched to lean manning.
The Officer your talking too looks at it from the Operational stand point and to a degree he is correct, however i have to look at it from the non operational stand point using budgets, crewing capability, and standing doctrine. (therefore in reality neither side is incorrect in their thinking or view and i for one would like to see more surface ships and submarines)
I deliberately omitted from commenting on the UUV and the arctic.