The Royal Navy has decommissioned nine combat and support vessels over the past two years, with replacements not expected to enter service until the 2030s or even 2040s. The retired vessels include three frigates, one nuclear submarine, two amphibious ships, two support ships, and one minesweeper.
Former Navy Commander Admiral Alan West described the current state of the fleet as "the worst in 350 years," stating that the number of active vessels for defense missions and NATO operations is "severely insufficient." The crisis extends beyond vessel numbers, with many Type 45 destroyers, Astute submarines, and Type 23 frigates stuck in dry dock for years awaiting repairs or upgrades.
Construction programs for new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, as well as SSN-Aukus submarines, have faced prolonged delays. The first Type 26 frigate construction began in 2017 but has yet to be delivered to the Navy. As a result, Britain now depends on vessels from other NATO members to form its carrier strike group.