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Posted on 08/16/2026 3:38:45 PM PDT by SmokingJoe
This video by historian Dr. Mark Felton provides a critical examination of the current state of the Royal Navy, specifically focusing on what he describes as the "white elephant" aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Key takeaways from the video include:
Operation Firecrest (0:15 - 1:18): The video analyzes a 2026 deployment of HMS Prince of Wales to the Arctic, arguing that it was an ineffective "saber-rattling" exercise that exposed the UK's naval limitations.
Lack of Escorts (1:23 - 3:00): Due to a severely depleted fleet of destroyers and frigates, the carrier could only be provided with two British escorts, forcing the task group to rely on foreign navies for support.
Shortage of Aircraft (3:03 - 4:51): The HMS Prince of Wales sailed with only eight F-35B jets, despite being designed to accommodate up to 36, due to the UK's limited fleet and the need to share aircraft with the Royal Air Force.
Historical Context and Procurement (5:08 - 8:50): The video traces the origins of these carriers back to the Tony Blair administration, criticizing the decision-making process, the shift from "catapult and arrestor" designs to "STOVL" (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) configurations, and the rising costs that reached £7.6 billion.
Conclusion (9:58 - 12:38): The author argues that the current naval strategy is unsustainable, leaving the UK with enormous vessels it cannot adequately crew, defend, or equip, which he characterizes as a national disgrace
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
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"Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good
weekend in Vegas with all that stuff."
I remember some years ago the UK was talking about selling one of their aircraft carriers under construction to India. Sounds like they should have done that.
Britain now has a well-armed force on the islands. Since Argentina’s ability to project power is relatively weak, the Falklands are secure.
The old Royal Navy is no more because the empire that supported it is no more. Britain is no more than a second tier regional power. It is only waisting resources by trying to continue to play the part of a world power by building what is nothing more than a prestige ship.
Sounds like the Argentines could easily retake the Malvinas...
“Britain is no more than a second tier regional power.”
Britain’s per capita GDP is so low that if we let it enter the Union as a state, it would be the poorest state in America. It is a bit like expecting Mississippi to be a global power...
https://mises.org/mises-wire/britain-france-and-spain-poorer-mississippi
They could become proselytizing, floating Mosques....
What is the size of Britain’s economy compared to that of Miss.?
“Total Economy vs. Per CapitaTotal GDP: The United Kingdom’s overall nominal GDP is over $3 trillion, whereas Mississippi’s total GDP is roughly $140–$150 billion.
The British national economy is more than 20 times larger in total volume.
Per Capita GDP: Studies by economic groups like the Institute of Economic Affairs and data analyses indicate that the UK’s average output per person sits near or slightly below Mississippi’s. Mississippi’s per capita GDP ranges around $50,000–$55,000, tightly matching or marginally surpassing the national UK average depending on the specific adjustments for purchasing power parity (PPP).”
“...the UK has a population of around 67 million compared to Mississippi’s 2.9 million...”
Britannia rules the Thames.
At least we won’t need to worry about it when it becomes the Royal Islamic Navy, so there’s that.
It is hugely expensive to fit naval surface combatants with even a modicum of the defensive weaponry that would make them able to survive in this silicon chip age of pinpoint stealthy drones and missiles.Doubt there are any such ships in the Royal Navy these days. The Russian surface combatatants were pathetically vulnerable to Ukrainian drones. Also the US Navy has learned that it is not sustainable to fight off $30,000 drones with defensive missiles that can cost over $1 million per missile and are rapidly depleted when a ship is attacked.
This video is out of date. Britain is scrapping the carriers and getting 4 jet skis.
LOL!!
Other than their remaining Boomers ...
Other than their remaining Boomers ...
Their money is all spent caring for many thousands of illegal muzzies set about to take control of the benighted place.
Do not confuse per capita GDP with total GDP.
Yes they spoke much of things that
would actually result in a Nuclear
World War III 😨🤯😯😵💫😲
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