A navy conducting global presence missions benefits from ships with the range, facilities, and visual authority associated with cruisers. Carriers and LHDs cover distinct aviation and amphibious needs but do not remove the case for a large surface combatant. The proposed Royal Navy fleet would include a small number of proper cruisers for this purpose. The immediate obstacle is fitting such ships within the available budget.
Notable Point · 38:20-38:44
Why the Royal Navy could use proper cruisers
Large cruisers would give the Royal Navy visible presence ships to complement carriers and amphibious vessels, though budget limits make the idea difficult.