Only Two British Navy Destroyers Operational

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04:16 GMT 15.12.2024 (Updated: 04:35 GMT 15.12.2024)

The remaining vessels are undergoing extensive repairs, with four Type 45s in the refit yard at Portsmouth, leaving the fleet at its smallest size in over a century.

Among the issues affecting the fleet is HMS Daring, which has spent more time in maintenance than in active service since its commissioning 12 years ago. Additionally, of the Navy’s eight Type 23 frigates, only six are currently operational.

With just 8 out of 14 destroyers and frigates available for duty—compared to over 800 during the Navy’s peak in 1945—the UK’s naval strength is at its lowest point since the destroyer programme began under Queen Victoria.

The sharp reduction in operational ships has raised concerns about the nation’s security, with MPs warning that Britain is increasingly vulnerable to sea and air attacks.

“With only two operational destroyers, we simply cannot defend London, let alone the UK. This is something the Defence Select Committee will urgently investigate,” Mike Martin, the MP for Tunbridge Wells, told the British newspaper.