An ideal Royal Navy versus what 2030 can deliver

What would an ideal Royal Navy look like under a realistic budget by 2030?

The ideal is far larger than 2030 permits; the credible near-term move is to maximize current escort and support-ship production.

The preferred aviation force comprises two carriers and three LHDs, with enough aircraft to use all five decks. Seven surface groups would combine air-defense destroyers, Type 26-style ASW frigates, lighter frigates, and ships controlling uncrewed systems. The totals are revised while speaking, settling on a core of 48 escorts: 16 destroyers, 16 Type 26s, eight Type 31s, and eight Type 32s. Protecting the SSBN force would create additional demands on ASW escorts. The desired submarine force includes at least four SSBNs, four SSGNs, and eight SSNs, with 12 to 16 attack boats preferred if achievable. This is an aspirational force structure, explicitly beyond what could be delivered by 2030. The practical near-term proposal is to maximize existing Type 26 and Type 31 construction, advance the RFA ships, and place enough orders to use available yard capacity.