What minimum Royal Navy and RFA force is needed beyond Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales, and could it be built within their service lives?
Short answerThe proposed minimum is roughly 36 escorts, stronger replenishment and mine-warfare forces, and reinforced-brigade amphibious lift. Whether that expansion fits within the carriers' service lives remains uncertain.
NotesThe proposed minimum is 36 escorts: 12 destroyers, 12 principal frigates and 12 secondary frigates. Uncrewed sloops and mine-warfare vessels would support them. About 12 tankers and eight solid-support ships are proposed to make at least three tankers and two supply ships available. Amphibious shipping would need to lift a reinforced brigade group of about 7,000 personnel, including support normally provided above brigade level. The answer specifies the desired force but leaves uncertain whether it could be built within the two carriers' service lives.