The 2015 review promised two further offshore patrol vessels, while the later force retained older Batch 1 ships alongside five Batch 2s. Six new ships had been discussed, leaving another difference between the proposed force and the eventual total. The modified Batch 1 ship transferred to Bahrain in 2019 is tentatively identified as Clyde. Its helicopter-capable deck made it a useful vessel to retain, so the criticism concerns both the number of patrol ships and the capabilities lost with an individual hull.
Notable Point · 2:09:17-2:10:15
River-class patrol numbers and Clyde's helicopter deck
Retained Batch 1 patrol ships and five Batch 2s complicate the planned force totals, while the ship recalled as Clyde offered a useful helicopter-capable deck.