Free Republic

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...

Royal Navy destroyers have been fitted with treadmills where land attack cruise missiles should be, prompting warnings that the Navy is falling further behind the United States. The Type 45 warships were designed to accommodate the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System fitted in their bows, allowing them to fire cruise missiles. However, the space has only ever been used as a gym for crew because the Navy did not procure the weapons due to a lack of funds. It comes after The Telegraph revealed HMS Diamond cannot attack Houthi targets on land because it lacks the firepower, although the warship...

Two Royal navy warships have suffered damage after colliding with each other in Bahrain. Footage of the incident, which happened in Bahrain Harbour on Thursday, shows the HMS Chiddingfold smashing into HMS Bangor, in what appeared to be a bungled attempt to reverse alongside it. The collision is being investigated by British naval authorities (Video at the link)