Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:53:03-1:54:23

A crisis fleet would favor ships that can be built now

In a major crisis, the Royal Navy could speed existing frigate plans but would also need simpler River-class-derived ships that yards can build quickly.

Escort ShipsNaval ProcurementRiver Class Offshore Patrol VesselsShipbuilding
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Question

What ships could the Royal Navy crash-build in a major future conflict?

Short answer

Alongside faster Type 26 and Type 31 production, a simpler River-class-derived escort would be the practical rapid-build option.

Notes

An emergency program would accelerate Type 26 and Type 31 work. Faster output would probably come from a River-class-derived hull. The proposed ship carries guns, missiles, sonar, torpedoes, and provision for uncrewed aircraft. Its value lies in being a useful design that an available yard can produce in numbers.