The Royal Navy Discussions and Updates

[Ananda]

There are rumours circulating in Indonesian Defense and Finance Guys circles on interest toward Waves class Tankers to replace Rover class Tanker ex RAN procure in 90's. This come as reported TNI-AL need larger tankers then the ones being build by local shipyard. Those 3000+ DWT Tankers from local yards capable of liquid and dry Logistics. However seems being plan to support fleet of Corvettes and Light Frigates for Green Water operations.

With PPA and FMP and potentially other 5500-6000 DWT Frigates being inducted in which more suit for longer range operations, it is seems being talk by TNI-AL sources the need for longer range and larger Tankers and Logistics support ships needed.

Well off course this is just rumours, but Prabowo's now heading to London after G20 meeting in Brazil. So will see, as before the rumours are talks in getting ex RAF C-130J to augment brand new C-130J from US.

 

[OldTex]

So the aspirations of politicians returning to the halcyon days of the UK being a world power are crumbling and fading. The commitment to the concept of the Littoral Response Group (LRG) is looking increasing unlikely as LRG-N and LRG-S look to be able to draw from only 3 ships. The idea that 2 OPVs deployed to the Indo-Pacific region is the UK returning to world power projection smacks more of colonial gunboat diplomacy and Colonel Blimp. Real power projection would require 2 - 3 frigates (perhaps Type 31s) and a support ship (Tide class tanker) to be based long term in the region.

The replacement of the RN amphibious fleet is supposed to be 3 - 6 MRSS (Multi Role Support Ships) covering the LPDs (2), LSDs (3) and RFA Argus. The rub is that the replacement project has not been formally created (possibly waiting until after SDR2025). Also with 2 of the ships being decommissioned in early 2025 there will be little justification for more than 3 or perhaps 4 ships to be ordered when the project gets to that stage in maybe 10 years time.

The other cuts announced (14 CH-47 and 17 SA-330 Pumas plus other things), not RN specific, probably should be discussed in a general UK Defence thread.