Russia's revived military antagonism has reversed the post-Soviet Royal Navy mission.
The problem Britain has defending waters in Europe from a revived Russian threat has left the defense of British interests and possessions around the globe short of naval assets. Britain can't afford to spare its more capable ships and subs for a global role.
Given limited resources, HM Government should therefore procure smaller, cheaper ships to provide greater global presence and better protection of British interests[.]
Before Russia went all "death or glory" to revive its empire in Europe by invading Ukraine, Britain was planning to use its high-end fleet globally:
As Britain moves to an off-shore military role around the globe, Britain stands up Vanguard Strike Companies. ...
It sounds like these units are the means of calling down the lightning bolts from Britain's carrier-centric fleet and possibly land-based air power to support a Thin Red Line ashore in support of allies.
But just as the rise of the Kaiser's navy forced Britain to concentrate naval power in home waters, the sociopath Russians have made British homeland defense something that can't be assumed. Yet global interests remain. And there is no global fleet to call home.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
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NOTE: Painting of Scapa Flow from Pinterest.
