UK set to increase size of Royal Navy escort fleet by 2030
During his parlimanetary defence of the Integrated Review of Security, Defense, Development and Foreign policy, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, was at pains to highlight the expansion of the Royal Navy as envisaged by the review.
The Prime Minister announced plans to increase the Navy's surface fleet from 15 to 24 vessels by the year 2030.
However, Johnson appeared to be unaware of the Royal Navy's order of battle as he initially said the Navy is currently in possession of 15 frigates, whereas the true figure is 13.
The Prime Minister later corrected himself.
As the UK also currently has 6 destroyers - which combined with the number of frigates amounts to 19 surface vessels - it is believed the addition of five new vessels by 2030 includes both frigates and destroyers.
It is worth noting that the Integrated Review calls for the acquisition of new Type 32 frigates, in addition to Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
Apart from developing the next generation of naval vessels, one of the key aims in the goverment's defense and foreign policy review revolves around plans to build warships in Scotland.
This is politically sensitive not least because the Scottish National Party (SNP), which is campaigning for Scottish independence, opposes many aspects of the goverment's defense and security policies.
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