On a visit to the home of the Royal Navy, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, set out the government’s next steps in building the most modern navy in the world.
He announced a new national shipbuilding strategy in advance of a decision later this year on orders for the brand new Type 26 Global Combat Ship. The Chancellor also announced that these multi-million pound ships will be based at the Navy bases in Portsmouth and Plymouth.
As part of the development of the national shipbuilding strategy, the Chancellor has asked to look at the potential to build a new complex warship every two years.
As well as maximising export opportunities, this will ensure the Royal Navy continues to have the capability it needs to protect UK’s interests.
The announcement builds further on the government’s commitment to Defence and the Royal Navy. Today, the Royal Navy is being modernised with new equipment, ships and submarines; it is building two of the second largest new aircraft carriers in the world and it will receive the world leading new Type 26 frigate. Two Astute Class submarines have already deployed on operations and the UK is working to deliver a further five of the class over the next decade. Combined with the Type 45 Destroyer and four tankers to support the fleet at sea, as well as the forthcoming renewal of Trident, this means the Royal Navy of today is being equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.
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Image: Royal Navy