Armoured ships and misconceptions over defence in Scotland

In the realm of defence and national security, facts can sometimes become obscured amidst the rhetoric.

One such misconception that has recently gained attention suggests that Scotland, despite its substantial share of the UK’s coastal waters, does not host a single ‘armoured ship’ permanently in its territorial waters.

The claim comes from Marion Fellows, MP for Motherwell and Wishaw.

“Off the back of reports that Russia is content for its ships to sabotage northern European energy infrastructure, it is more concerning than ever that, despite taking up the majority of UK coastal waters, Scotland does not have a single armoured ship permanently based in its waters.

Let us be clear: in an independent Scotland, Scotland’s defence force would recognise and fill those gaps in security. However, in the meantime, what is the Minister’s Department doing across Whitehall to invest in the maritime security of Scotland and Scottish territorial waters?”

This narrative, while it may sound compelling, paints an inaccurate picture of Scotland’s defence landscape and the nature of modern naval capabilities.

Firstly, let’s address the term ‘armoured ship’. This term harkens back to the era of battleships and cruisers, vessels adorned with heavy armour plating for protection against enemy fire. In the context of today’s naval warfare, this terminology is outdated and misleading.

Modern vessels, including frigates, destroyers, and submarines, utilise advanced materials and designs for protection. They do not carry the type of heavy armour that was a hallmark of early 20th-century warships. Therefore, the notion of an ‘armoured ship’ is a misnomer in today’s naval defence environment.

Scotland plays a vital role in the United Kingdom’s defence strategy and hosts significant military assets.

One notable example is the Royal Navy’s Astute-class attack submarines, which are based at HM Naval Base Clyde, colloquially known as Faslane, in Scotland. These submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors, serve as the Royal Navy’s primary platform for anti-ship and anti-submarine roles. Their presence significantly bolsters the UK’s naval capabilities in Scottish waters and beyond.

Moreover, RAF Lossiemouth, located in Moray, Scotland, is the home base for the UK’s new P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. These aircraft are equipped for a range of critical missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue operations.

While it is true that there are no major surface combatants permanently based in Scotland, the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, including its aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates, are frequently operating in Scottish waters. In fact, as I write this, I am watching HMS Northumberland, a Type 23 Frigate, operating on the River Clyde. I snapped a photo of the ship for this article, it’s shown above.

The distribution of these military assets is based on strategic considerations rather than geographic distribution alone. Defence is not simply about the number of ‘armoured ships’ but rather the integrated and strategic deployment of a diverse range of naval capabilities.

The claim that there are no ‘armoured ships’ permanently based in Scotland not only misinterprets the nature of modern naval defence but also overlooks the comprehensive defence apparatus that is in place.

Defence today involves much more than a simple tally of ships; it’s a complex and multi-faceted strategy involving various platforms, systems, and technologies. It is crucial to move beyond such misconceptions and understand the realities of defence in the 21st century.