HALF the large British warships are out of action for repairs, it was announced last night.
Of the 18 frigates and destroyers in the Royal Navy’s fleet, only nine are operational, the rest are in dock, the Ministry of Defense has announced.
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Former naval chief Admiral Lord West says it is a “national shame” that half of Britain’s large warships are out of actionPhoto credit: PA
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Only nine of the Royal Navy’s 18 frigates and destroyers can operateCredit: EPA
Former Navy chief Admiral Lord West of Spithead said, “It’s a national shame.
“New ships are not built fast enough and there is not enough money for repairs.”
Only one of the Navy’s £ 1 billion destroyers, the HMS Defender, is currently at sea. She accompanies the Carrier Strike Group on its maiden voyage around the world.
Her sister ship HMS Diamond had to give up the 10-ship task force after it broke down in the Mediterranean and limped into an Italian port.
The other Type 45 ships, HMS Daring, HMS Duncan and HMS Dragon are serviced in the UK.
While the HMS Dauntless is slated for sea trials after a £ 160 million engine upgrade.
‘COMPLETELY UNSATISFIED’
Of the 12 Type 23 frigates, only eight are classified as “operational”.
Lord West added: “It is utterly unsatisfactory that the nation should land at sea with this number of warships.
“The frigates are in the dock because we are operating them longer than expected, because the construction program for new ships is taking so long.”
The Sun announced that the escort fleet will sink to historic lows, sinking below 10 for the first time in Navy’s history in 2026, before growing again after 2027 when the first of 13 new frigates enter service.
The Prime Minister promised to recapture Britain’s place as “the greatest sea power in Europe”.
Defense Department figures also showed that at least 12 surface vessels, including mine hunters, amphibious transporters and dropships, are undergoing maintenance.
The Department of Defense said the frigates were “the core of the frontline fleet”.
A spokesman said: “You play a key role in the Royal Navy’s carrier strike capability and make a tremendous contribution to the defense of Britain and our international partners who value you greatly.
“All ships in the Royal Navy go through planned cycles of operation that include routine maintenance, repair, training, deployment, vacations, major modifications and upgrades, and will therefore be in varying levels of readiness according to defense requirements.”
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