With a blank check and magic wand, what Royal Navy force structure would you choose?
Short answerA much larger balanced fleet built around four carrier groups, four amphibious groups, a deep submarine force, dedicated escorts, and substantial logistics support.
NotesThe unconstrained fleet proposal includes six SSBNs and six SSGNs based on the same class, at least eighteen SSNs, about twelve conventional submarines, four carriers, and four LHDs. Each carrier group would have at least two solid-stores ships and two tankers to sustain operations at sea. Its escort or surface-action group would contain a cruiser, two destroyers, and three frigates. Additional frigates would protect submarines leaving port and patrol around Britain, while extra cruisers and destroyers would provide overseas presence. Sloops would undertake patrol duties or carry mine-countermeasure equipment. Each amphibious task group would be able to land a Royal Marines brigade, with an illustrative group comprising an LHD, an LPD, and four landing ships in different configurations. One landing ship would provide critical-care facilities and retain self-defense weapons. The proposal is explicitly an oversized personal preference enabled by a blank cheque, with no claim that this is a necessary or practical fleet.