How likely is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to be merged into the Royal Navy, and how early could that have happened?
Short answerThe RFA could have been part of the Royal Navy from its creation. Using its ships to accompany and support LUSVs would require greater combat capability and more naval personnel.
NotesThe RFA could have been organized from the beginning as a service within the Royal Navy, with the Royal Marines and naval aviation offering institutional comparisons. A proposed future role would pair RFA ships with large uncrewed surface vessels moving into and out of combat areas. The LUSVs could escort the auxiliaries while using the journeys to return for reloading. That arrangement would require more combat capability aboard the auxiliaries and a larger naval component in their crews. Civilian status is described as an advantage when entering ports to obtain fuel, so closer naval integration would alter a practical feature of their logistics role.