![]() ![]() At 2017 prices, an Astute class submarine cost around £1.4Bn while a Type 26 frigate is not far off at £1.2Bn. A Trafalgar class SSN cost around £200M in the mid-1980s while a Batch III Type 22 frigate cost £140M. Using some approximate unit prices for a rough comparison, it is clear the unit cost of surface escorts for the RN has actually increased relative to submarines. Their numbers and costs are historically rather uneven, although their procurement obviously impacts the resources available for submarines) Escorts-v-Submarine-numbers (Aircraft carriers and amphibious vessels have not been included in this assessment – after all submarines and escorts are intended to protect them. Numbers in themselves are not a real indicator of fleet strength as many other factors such as the type of boat, nuclear-powered or conventional, the quality of construction, training standards etc must all be considered but this does give a rough indicator of the balance of investment. This was a deliberate policy, configured as primarily an ASW navy, the best way to counter the vast Soviet submarine fleet was with other submarines. The exception was in the 1980s when the submarine service reached its Cold War zenith, operating a large force of nuclear and conventional submarines, briefly attaining a ratio of about 1 boat for every two surface escorts. Putting aside the appalling decline in overall numbers since 1970, the ratio of RN attack submarines to surface escorts has remained pretty constant between 3:1 and 4:1. Here we look at what might be concluded and how the balance could be changed. ![]() The Defence Secretary has instructed the RN to conduct a study lasting no more than 6 months to assess the balance between the warships and submarines.
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