How would the modern Royal Navy look if Britain spent the same share of GDP on it as during the Napoleonic Wars?
Short answerIt could be several times larger, with more and better escorts and carriers, but higher capability would consume part of the extra funding.
NotesHistorical defence spending as a share of GDP provides the basis for the estimate, with an allowance for the Navy's portion. A Napoleonic-era commitment could support a Royal Navy roughly three to four times the present scale. The money would not translate one-for-one into hull numbers because decision-makers would also choose larger and more capable ships. Catapult carriers, stronger air-defence combatants, and better-equipped escorts would consume part of the increase while still leaving a much larger fleet.