The British Navy After the Gulf Affair
It was for centuries the greatest force in the world. Today it is a laughingstock. Here is the best summary of what happened. Pay particular attention to the force and deployment information at the bottom of the article.
What is significant is not only the cuts in the shipping; but what ships are being cut. The best ships are going because they are the most expensive.
Projected amounts for surface ships are 13 frigates and 6 destroyers of which 13 ships will be in mothballs.
Why this is important: For the first time since World War I, the US Navy will be on its own. The famous British Mediterranean Fleet is gone. The Home Fleet is gone. The Far East Station and all the rest are gone. The navies of our potential friends are declining; the navies of potential adversaries are rising. China may be the biggest naval threat in the 21st. century. It is the one that is expanding the fastest and furthest.
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2 comments:
The british Navy has long been a declining force and I would argue that Britain has not held any real international influence, save by joining the US, since the end of the British Empire and consequently since the end of World War 2.
I would really not worry about China. They seem quite content on building up a capitalist society and are rapidly becoming the next superpower. This is not something to fear but rather welcome. What makes you think that they might be war-mongerers?
Niall
A couple of things, Niall.
1) The large buildup of missles aimed at Taiwan and their aggressive rhetoric versus same
2) Their attitude towards Japan.
3) Their very large naval buildup. This last is especially worrying. Reminicent of the German naval buildup against Britain in the first decades of the 20th. century. Not overtly hostile, but part of a pattern.
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