One assumes a UK boomer is always escorted by a T or future A class, they would also be looking for Russian subs. With Russia's sub fleet in such poor condition I doubt they have the assets to monitor all UK, French and US boomers? Also I'm sure the NIMROD escort function could be carried out by a cheaper near silent UAV fitted with the appropriate sensors. With Rivet Joint coming on-line by 2015, the int gathering element (lost when R1's retired) will be filled. The agreement with the US means the airframes will be stripped and serviced every four years in a rolling programme dovetailed alongside the US 20 odd Rivet Joint airframes. The common fit-out means USAF and RAF crews will be assigned to each others aircraft (NATO missions) and share common int.
According to recent press reports, UK ministers have been flogging the T26 concept to every man and his dog, hoping to embrace not just the Brazilians, Canadians, but even Turkey and the ANZAC's. If (big if) successful then the proposed 350 million unit price might be feasible without compromising too much in way of capability. CAMM, rapid firing main gun, or slower 155 derivative, Harpoon, AsW fit plus decent helo/UAV (I suspect the UK will be pushing Wildcat + SeaSkua MkII).
Britain’s Future Frigates: Type 26 & 27 Global Combat Ships
Feb 6/11: MercoPress refers to Brazilian and British media reports that a GBP 2.9 billion deal (about 7.85 billion Reals, or $4.68 billion) may be about to buy 6 Offshore Patrol Vessels at GBP 60-80 million each, and 5-6 Type 26 at GB 300-400 million each. While the new Rousseff administration is reviewing both the F-X2 fighter purchase and naval plans, the paper cites Brazil’s growing deepwater oil production as a compelling driver for the Marinha do Brazil. The report adds that:
“The articles mention that according to the agreement with BAE Systems and following on Brazilian policy of ‘technology transfer’ the first patrol and frigate units would be built in the UK and the rest in Brazilian yards…. Developed countries are most aware of defence dynamics in Brazil since the country’s long term policy is to increase defence expenditure from the current 1.5% of GDP to 2% of GDP by 2030. Since the country’s economy is forecasted to grow a sustained 5% in the coming decades, defence investments will also expand strongly. With a nominal Brazilian GDP of 1.57 trillion US dollars, – IMF figures – if defence expenditure was now 2.2% of GDP, it would represent 34 billion USD.”See also UPI.
Jan 31/11: U.K. Defence Minister Gerald Howarth responds to Parliamentary questions by saying:
“I am delighted to say that we are in close discussion with the Canadians [regarding the Type 26]. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has just returned from an extremely profitable visit to Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. All those countries have expressed interest in joining the United Kingdom in a collaborative programme that would have the benefit of bringing together not only members of the Commonwealth but some of our key allies, while also driving down costs for the Royal Navy.”
Both Canada and Australia have plans for a “future frigate” competition in their 20-year defense procurement strategies, and BAE can expect strong competition on both fronts. Canada may be a better bet than Australia, where Spain’s Navantia has established a very strong foothold with its current Hobart Class destroyer and Canberra Class LHD programs. UK Hansard transcripts | Defense News.
Nov 29/10: Rumors surface that the UK government is looking to sharply slash target costs for the Type 26 frigates, from GBP 500 million to GBP 250-350 million ($400 – 550 million), in order to field a large enough Royal Navy fleet.
