Historic Low Reached by British Royal Navy Destroyer Fleet – Telegraph
According to the report, only two of the six modern destroyers in the UK are currently operational. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The British Royal Navy’s destroyer fleet has reached historic lows, with only two of its six advanced vessels currently operational, according to a report by The Telegraph citing the UK Ministry of Defence.
Four of the Type 45 destroyers are undergoing significant repairs, maintenance, or other work in Portsmouth, contributing to the British fleet's smallest size in over a century, the report indicated.
The Type 45 destroyers, part of the Daring class, are essential to the Royal Navy’s air defense capabilities. Designed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile operations, these ships have been encountering several maintenance challenges. Notably, one vessel has spent more time undergoing repairs than being active since its commissioning 12 years ago, as the outlet highlighted.
This sharp decline in the number of operational warships has sparked concerns regarding the nation's security. MPs have warned that the UK is becoming more susceptible to sea and air attacks.
“These reports of only two operational destroyers are extremely concerning. Destroyers provide air defense and with only two destroyers, we simply cannot defend London, let alone the United Kingdom,” MP and defense select committee member Mike Martin stated to The Telegraph.
Additionally, out of the Navy’s eight Type 23 frigates, only six are currently operational, the report noted.
With just eight out of 14 destroyers and frigates available for immediate deployment, the UK fleet stands at its lowest since the destroyer program commenced under Queen Victoria, especially when compared to over 800 vessels during the Navy’s peak in 1945.
Earlier this month, British Ministry of Defence official Alistair Carns acknowledged that the UK is not equipped to engage in a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. He pointed out that the UK could deplete its soldier ranks within six months to a year in the event of a serious conflict.
As of July, the British Army's active-duty personnel numbered just over 73,000, the lowest figure since 1823. At that time, the overall UK population was around 20 million, whereas it has since risen to 67 million.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Four of the Type 45 destroyers are undergoing significant repairs, maintenance, or other work in Portsmouth, contributing to the British fleet's smallest size in over a century, the report indicated.
The Type 45 destroyers, part of the Daring class, are essential to the Royal Navy’s air defense capabilities. Designed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile operations, these ships have been encountering several maintenance challenges. Notably, one vessel has spent more time undergoing repairs than being active since its commissioning 12 years ago, as the outlet highlighted.
This sharp decline in the number of operational warships has sparked concerns regarding the nation's security. MPs have warned that the UK is becoming more susceptible to sea and air attacks.
“These reports of only two operational destroyers are extremely concerning. Destroyers provide air defense and with only two destroyers, we simply cannot defend London, let alone the United Kingdom,” MP and defense select committee member Mike Martin stated to The Telegraph.
Additionally, out of the Navy’s eight Type 23 frigates, only six are currently operational, the report noted.
With just eight out of 14 destroyers and frigates available for immediate deployment, the UK fleet stands at its lowest since the destroyer program commenced under Queen Victoria, especially when compared to over 800 vessels during the Navy’s peak in 1945.
Earlier this month, British Ministry of Defence official Alistair Carns acknowledged that the UK is not equipped to engage in a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. He pointed out that the UK could deplete its soldier ranks within six months to a year in the event of a serious conflict.
As of July, the British Army's active-duty personnel numbered just over 73,000, the lowest figure since 1823. At that time, the overall UK population was around 20 million, whereas it has since risen to 67 million.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
