An assumed allied mine-warfare contribution cannot fill a national fleet's gap unless ships are available. Several countries can rely on one another while their combined hull numbers fall. The same problem affects air defence, where a nominal capability cannot meet several distant demands alone. Each ship can occupy only one place at a time, so commitments depend on readiness and numbers.
Notable Point · 3:53:09-3:54:35
Allied naval commitments still require available hulls
Shared mine-warfare commitments illustrate the practical need for ships in the right place.