US Navy News and updates

[StobieWan]

No capacity in any UK yards whatsoever

Babcock could probably churn out a couple of Type 31 to some spec or another fairly rapidly - or at least, well within the time scale projected. Given Babcock are already making complex hull assemblies for the Virginias.

Their order book for the existing run of Type 31 is about half way through. Unlikely choice if they wanted to run 10 or 20 out the door but if they just need a working couple delivered, even if just ready to be fitted out in the states, could work.

We both know there's zero chance that the design won't be overhauled however

 

[StobieWan]

I wonder what impact these long deployments will have on maintenance and service life going forward.

The current US fleet age is already about the oldest it has ever been, but now they are being run into the ground while replacement projects are being deferred, cancelled and changed.

Indeed - this totally screws availability and sustainability for the projected date for an assault on Taiwan - munitions stores of precision weapons drawn down, carrier and escort maintenance disrupted. It's a perfect storm, one which will land in about 5 years. For now, the USN will keep moving, but all the resilience is being exhausted.

 

[swerve]

No capacity in any UK yards whatsoever

And SAAB doesn't have a frigate design (Sweden's buying French FDI frigates from Naval Group) & Sweden hasn't built warships of that size for decades, so SAAB's out. Fincantieri seems to be pretty busy, & so are some other European builders.

 

[koxinga]

No capacity in any UK yards whatsoever

They are citing the "Finland" model, one or two by the manufacturer, the rest in the US. Pretty sure France, Germany, Italy or Spain could handle that

Could be the Administration's anti European views prejudice. Which makes the choice of Turkey the odd ball. They have capacity for sure and seems to be able to execute projects fast (e.g Malaysian LMSs was done swiftly and on time). No disrespect to what they have achieved but they are still a new player in the global market

 

[Volkodav]

Indeed - this totally screws availability and sustainability for the projected date for an assault on Taiwan - munitions stores of precision weapons drawn down, carrier and escort maintenance disrupted. It's a perfect storm, one which will land in about 5 years. For now, the USN will keep moving, but all the resilience is being exhausted.

I just had a really horrible tin foil hat moment.

What if this was the intent?

Run down the US military to the point they can't intervene in Europe, Taiwan, etc.

 

[OldTex]

I just had a really horrible tin foil hat moment.

What if this was the intent?

Run down the US military to the point they can't intervene in Europe, Taiwan, etc.

To a normal person it would seem truly bizarre to emasculate ones own defence forces so as to avoid real or implied treaty obligations, whilst expecting those same obligations to be honoured by others should there be an attack (real or otherwise) on ones own country.

But we seem to be living in a time where the bizarre is the new normal (as horrifying as that sounds)

 

[John Fedup]

I just had a really horrible tin foil hat moment.

What if this was the intent?

Run down the US military to the point they can't intervene in Europe, Taiwan, etc.

Might not matter if it was intentional as the US debt and the incompetent Trump team could result in the same outcome.

 

[StobieWan]

Just a gentle reminder to not stray too deeply into politics here. We do live in extraordinary times, I understand (and not in a good way) but let's herd things back to defence matters.