The contemporary Royal Navy is credited with capable technology while its depth of force is criticized. Repeatedly surging the ships available can accumulate maintenance work that later reduces availability. The argument for additional hulls is therefore tied to the ability to sustain commitments over time. The proposed levels are more than six Type 45 destroyers, at least twelve Type 26 frigates, and probably at least nine each of the Type 31 and Type 32. These figures are recommendations made in the recording, rather than a statement of an adopted procurement program.
Notable Point · 1:09:45-1:10:42
Fleet depth, surge deployments and maintenance
A contemporary aside links repeated surges to accumulated maintenance and argues for larger destroyer and frigate forces.