The proposed four-carrier force also needs four LHDs and four LPDs. Twelve auxiliary groups would combine tankers and stores ships, with their own air defence and three or four Merlin helicopters per ship. Twelve escort groups would mix a large Type 83-sized ship, air-warfare escorts, Type 26-style ASW ships and smaller frigates or drone ships. Around 24 attack submarines are suggested to cover task groups and independent hunting. These are preferred quantities in a hypothetical force, not a funded procurement schedule.
Notable Point · 1:12:06-1:15:24
The auxiliaries and escorts behind a proposed reaction force
The proposed reaction force requires armed auxiliaries, several escort types and enough submarines for both group support and independent operations.