NATO

[StevoJH]

The UK should have gotten rid of the Albion class 20 years ago and replaced them with a more upmarket version of HMS Ocean or an LHD even if it was something more basic like a Mistral.

The Albion class have/had no helicopter facilities at all, and the Bay class don't have an integral hanger either. So if you want to use the Commando Helicopter force, they either have to give up all fast air or time the operation so both carriers are operational.

Especially now with both Ocean and Argus gone.

 

[swerve]

The UK should have gotten rid of the Albion class 20 years ago and replaced them with a more upmarket version of HMS Ocean or an LHD even if it was something more basic like a Mistral.

The Albion class have/had no helicopter facilities at all,

A flight deck big enough to operate two large helicopters, so not quite none.

No support facilites- agreed.

 

[swerve]

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a UK-led coalition of 10 like-minded northern European nations focused on rapid response and security in the High North, North Atlantic, and Baltic region. The members are: United Kingdom (framework/lead nation), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. All are NATO members.

Recently, the JEF nations signed a statement of intent to create a joint naval force (multinational maritime force) as a complement to NATO. This initiative, announced by the Royal Navy chief, aims to deter Russian threats (especially in the "open sea border" to the north, including incursions and risks to undersea infrastructure). It emphasizes training, integration, and immediate operational capability, with potential command from the UK's Northwood headquarters. Britain to create joint naval force with nine European countries as ‘complement’ to Nato | Royal Navy | The Guardian

Main assets:

• 2 Queen Elisabeth aircraft carriers
• 2 LPDs (Rotterdam)
• 6 Type 45 Destroyers
• 7 AAW frigates (4 De Zeven Provinciën and 3 Iver Huitfeld)
• 15 ASW/general purpose frigates (Type 23, Karel Doorman, Nansen, Absalon)
• 11 corvettes (5 Visby, 6 Skjold)
• 9 nuclear subs (4 Vanguard SSBN, 5 Astute SSN)
• 13-14 SSK (3 Walrus, 6 Ula, 3 Gotland, 1-2 Södermanland)
• 35-40 MCM vessels (many small, in the Baltic)

Although it's not too bad, it's a pity that the UK has abandoned the Albion class LPD. And many of the ships and subs listed are urgently in need of replacement, luckily this is happening; Type 23 and Nansen are being replaced by Type 26, Ula is being replaced by the 212CD SSK, Visby is being complemented/replaced by Luleå class, etc.

Belgium and Germany should join JEF. Belgium has a tiny navy but is working very closely with the Netherlands operating the same ships and working together, I believe they have 3 ASW frigates on order, and also some MCM capabilities. And Germany of course has some AAW and ASW capabilities but also some decent MCM capabilities and some very good SSKs of course.

And three LSD (Bay).

Corvette is a bit misleading for the Skjold class. Fast attack class, I'd say. Less than 300 tons, & short range.