UK’s military decline will pose a major challenge for its new prime minister

In 1889 the British parliament, fearful of a possible war with France and Russia, adopted what came to be known as the “two power standard.” It called for the Royal Navy, then the world’s most powerful fleet, to maintain and operate enough battleships to outnumber the next two most powerful navies.

Although Britain abandoned the policy after World War I, when it accepted parity with the American fleet in accordance with the of the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty, the Royal Navy remained one of the world’s most powerful maritime forces.

As recently as a year ago a member of Parliament raised the issue of restoring the two power standard, but the question was more of a jibe than a practical proposal. Britain’s fleet has been in decline for years, and it has declined even further this year.

The Royal Navy is suffering from major readiness issues. None of its nuclear powered   attack submarines is available for deployment. Its ballistic missile submarines also are hampered by readiness issues and the Navy barely manages to keep one of the class on full-time deployment. And Britain’s carriers suffer from a shortage of available F-35B aircraft. Other ships likewise have serious maintenance and readiness challenges. So too do the other military services.

Exiting Prime Minister Keith Starmer just released a new defense investment plan that is full of promises without concrete timetables. With respect to the Navy, the plan includes a major upgrade of its capabilities. Among its highlights: “completing the build and commissioning of Type 26 and Type 31 frigates … building at least six new........

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