In a recent response to a parliamentary question, Lord Coaker, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, confirmed that nine Type 23 frigates are currently in service with the Royal Navy, with six of these vessels presently available for operational deployment.

This update came in response to a query from Lord West of Spithead, who inquired about the number of frigates in the Royal Navy’s active order of battle.

Lord Coaker stated “As a new government, we inherited a situation in which the Royal Navy has nine Type-23 frigates in service, six of which are currently available”, he then went on to explain, “The normal operating cycle of every ship involves them entering different readiness levels depending on their programmes and departmental planning requirements.”

This cycle can affect the availability of vessels as ships undergo scheduled maintenance, refits, and other planned readiness adjustments.

As part of its long-term strategy, the MOD is advancing a gradual transition from the existing Type 23 frigate class to two new classes, the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. This shift will unfold over the next decade, with these new ships intended to enhance the Royal Navy’s capabilities in both anti-submarine and general-purpose roles.

British frigate and destroyer availability increases

In context

Recent trends in the fleet, particularly the Type 23 Frigates, show a positive shift towards increased operational availability.

Earlier in the year, we reported that a lower percentage of these ships were active or immediately deployable, with the majority undergoing maintenance or refit. However, recent data indicates a marked improvement, with more ships transitioning from maintenance to active status.

This improvement is particularly notable in the Type 23 Frigates, where the percentage of active ships has risen significantly, reflecting better fleet management and possibly more efficient maintenance practices. The removal of HMS Argyll from service has also played a role in this trend. While this reduced the overall number of Type 23 Frigates from 10 to 9, it has not hindered the increase in the percentage of active or deployable ships.

On the contrary, the focus has seemingly shifted to maintaining the readiness of the remaining vessels, leading to a higher proportion of the fleet being operational. The Royal Navy has managed to enhance the availability of the fleet despite the reduction in total numbers. This trend suggests a strategic shift in the Royal Navy’s approach to fleet readiness and operational capacity. By improving the availability of its remaining vessels, the Royal Navy has increased its ability to respond to operational demands.

The data, in summary, indicates a focus on maximising the utility of the existing fleet, ensuring that a more significant percentage of ships are prepared for immediate deployment when needed.

Avatar photo
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
8 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
AlexS
AlexS
2 hours ago

For comparison 16 Frigates and 8 destroyers were sent South Atlantic to take the Falklands back.

Last edited 2 hours ago by AlexS
Mark B
Mark B
1 hour ago
Reply to  AlexS

Maybe however as an example a type 45 is probably 15-30 times more effective than a Type 42. So I’m not sure what your numbers prove.

Allan
Allan
1 hour ago
Reply to  Mark B

In what way is it 15 to 30 times more effective?

SailorBoy
SailorBoy
10 minutes ago
Reply to  Allan

Area defended, probably
Aster 30 Vs Sea Dart is a massive range increase.
Multiply that by number of missiles carried and you probably don’t get far off 30

Levi Goldsteinberg
Levi Goldsteinberg
9 seconds ago
Reply to  Mark B

It can only be in one place at a time though

Mark B
Mark B
56 minutes ago

In my view it is not just about numbers. It is a lethality as well. True we need a number of vessels as well otherwise you are putting all your eggs in one basket. That said ultimately drones etc. will spread the lethality and the speed of production providing the politicians however have the imagination.

Last edited 55 minutes ago by Mark B
Angus
Angus
44 minutes ago

More Ships needed so they can be deployed to more sea’s around the World. Modern tech should be being used to reduce crew numbers thus allowing more Ships to be manned and available. Presence is one of the biggest deterrence and for that you need numbers. If we had more bobbies on the beet then our streets would be safer but they are seldom seen these days. Same goes for the Military only with having if it can do its job of making the other side think twice and our Armed Forces are just too small to be really effective……sad… Read more »

Jonathan
Jonathan
41 minutes ago

there is a very big underlying problem with this and that is availability/readiness and maintenance cycles are a zero sum game, in that you increase one you decrease the others and each is important and decreasing any of them will have wide longterm consequences to either the quality of your fleet, the effectiveness of your deterrent or your ability to deploy in times of crisis or high risk ( war or pre war). So you can raise one of these elements but you will impact on the others and impact on wider important issues. That is why a recent U.S.… Read more »