The Royal Navy in 2024: All Cards Revealed? A Perspective on Combat Capability Challenges and Warship Development

Once hailed as the "Number One Navy in Europe," the Royal Navy has gradually lost its luster amid continuous downsizing since the Cold War. Entering the year, this maritime force with centuries of glorious history finds itself at a historic low point, grappling with intertwined challenges such as the imbalance between strategic assets and conventional forces, insufficient equipment readiness rates, and a lagging shipbuilding industry. This article will analyze the true combat capabilities and potential strengths of the Royal Navy in the year from three dimensions: current predicaments, future prospects, and the development of core vessels, with a focus on clarifying the construction progress and strategic value of key equipment such as Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.

I. Current Situation and Dilemma: Structural Crisis Amidst Shrinking Scale

Scale contraction hits bottom: A historic low point unseen in a century.

After the end of the Cold War, European navies generally entered a "downsizing" cycle, and the British Royal Navy was no exception. By 2025, the Royal Navy had declined to its lowest point in centuries. To increase revenue and reduce expenditure, and in the absence of new main warship replacements, a batch of equipment still possessing combat value was collectively decommissioned, further exacerbating the scale reduction: Of the two LPDs (Landing Platform Docks) with a combined full-load displacement of nearly 40,000 tons, one was sold to the Brazilian Navy at a low price of 20 million pounds, and the other was mothballed; After the decommissioning of two Type 23 frigates, the Royal Navy's frigate count was reduced to only 7, making the "core weakness" of its surface combat power increasingly apparent. After the end of the Cold War, European navies generally entered a "downsizing" cycle, and the British Royal Navy was no exception. By 2025, the Royal Navy had declined to its lowest point in centuries. To increase revenue and reduce expenditure, and in the absence of new main warship replacements, a batch of equipment still possessing combat value was collectively decommissioned, further exacerbating the scale reduction: Of the two LPDs (Landing Platform Docks) with a combined full-load displacement of nearly 40,000 tons, one was sold to the Brazilian Navy at a low price of 20 million pounds, and the other was mothballed; After the decommissioning of two Type 23 frigates, the Royal Navy's frigate count was reduced to only 7, making the "core weakness" of its surface combat power increasingly apparent.

Year-end Combat Vessel Formation: Leading in Tonnage but Structurally Imbalanced

As of December 2025, the composition of the Royal Navy's active combat vessels exhibits the characteristic of "prominent strategic assets but weak conventional forces," specifically including: 2 aircraft carriers, 6 air defense destroyers, 7 frigates, 4 ballistic missile nuclear submarines, 6 nuclear attack submarines, along with several minesweepers and patrol vessels. The total tonnage of active combat vessels is approximately 385,000 tons, which, although slightly higher than the French Navy's 310,000 tons during the same period, is significantly hampered in its actual combat effectiveness due to insufficient numbers and readiness issues of conventional surface vessels. As of December 2025, the composition of the Royal Navy's active combat vessels exhibits the characteristic of "prominent strategic assets but weak conventional forces," specifically including: 2 aircraft carriers, 6 air defense destroyers, 7 frigates, 4 ballistic missile nuclear submarines, 6 nuclear attack submarines, along with several minesweepers and patrol vessels. The total tonnage of active combat vessels is approximately 385,000 tons, which, although slightly higher than the French Navy's 310,000 tons during the same period, is significantly hampered in its actual combat effectiveness due to insufficient numbers and readiness issues of conventional surface vessels.

Core Issue: Structural Imbalance and Severe Readiness Crisis

The root cause of the Royal Navy's predicament lies in the structural bias in resource allocation: Similar to France, under constrained budgets, the UK prioritizes strategic assets such as aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, significantly squeezing the development space for conventional surface vessels, resulting in a **distorted fleet structure characterized by "large ends and a thin middle."** More critically, the equipment readiness rate continues to decline, becoming a key bottleneck that restricts the release of combat power: The root cause of the Royal Navy's predicament lies in the structural bias in resource allocation: Similar to France, under constrained budgets, the UK prioritizes strategic assets such as aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, significantly squeezing the development space for conventional surface vessels, resulting in a **distorted fleet structure characterized by "large ends and a thin middle."** More critically, the equipment readiness rate continues to decline, becoming a key bottleneck that restricts the release of combat power:

• Frequent Malfunctions in Aircraft Carrier Fleet: In 2022, the aircraft carrier "Prince of Wales" returned to port for major repairs due to a fracture in its starboard propeller shaft; in 2024, the aircraft carrier "Queen Elizabeth" was found to have a similar issue before deployment, forcing the cancellation of a large-scale NATO exercise mission. It was not until November 2025 that the carrier strike group was announced to have full operational capability, six years after the commissioning of the second aircraft carrier.Frequent Malfunctions in Aircraft Carrier Fleet: In 2022, the aircraft carrier "Prince of Wales" returned to port for major repairs due to a fracture in its starboard propeller shaft; in 2024, the aircraft carrier "Queen Elizabeth" was found to have a similar issue before deployment, forcing the cancellation of a large-scale NATO exercise mission. It was not until November 2025 that the carrier strike group was announced to have full operational capability, six years after the commissioning of the second aircraft carrier.
• Normalization of Destroyer Out-of-Service Periods: The first Type 45 destroyer, HMS Daring, has been out of service for over eight years due to maintenance and equipment issues, raising concerns about the overall combat readiness of all six ships of the same class.Normalization of Destroyer Out-of-Service Periods: The first Type 45 destroyer, HMS Daring, has been out of service for over eight years due to maintenance and equipment issues, raising concerns about the overall combat readiness of all six ships of the same class.
• Nuclear Submarine Combat Power Idle: The second Astute-class submarine, "Ambush," has been in a "non-operational" state for over three years and four months. The maintenance work on "Artful" and "Audacious" is progressing slowly, with both having been out of service for over 950 days. The actual available number of nuclear attack submarines has significantly decreased.Nuclear Submarine Combat Power Idle: The second Astute-class submarine, "Ambush," has been in a "non-operational" state for over three years and four months. The maintenance work on "Artful" and "Audacious" is progressing slowly, with both having been out of service for over 950 days. The actual available number of nuclear attack submarines has significantly decreased.

Weak industrial foundation: a vicious cycle of project delays and cost overruns.

The decline of the shipbuilding industry is the underlying cause of the stagnation in the Royal Navy's development. Currently, only two companies in the UK, BAE Systems and Babcock, possess full shipbuilding capabilities, along with three barely operational shipyards. The highly monopolistic structure allows these companies to "hold the government hostage" in terms of pricing and delivery schedules, directly leading to severe delays in new vessel construction and uncontrollable costs: the first Type 26 frigate, HMS Glasgow, began construction in 2017 and is not expected to enter service until 2027; the sixth Astute-class nuclear submarine, HMS Agamemnon, took 13 years to build; the construction cycle for the new-generation Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines has been extended to 15 years. The delayed entry of new equipment further exacerbates the crisis of discontinuity between old and new systems. The decline of the shipbuilding industry is the underlying cause of the stagnation in the Royal Navy's development. Currently, only two companies in the UK, BAE Systems and Babcock, possess full shipbuilding capabilities, along with three barely operational shipyards. The highly monopolistic structure allows these companies to "hold the government hostage" in terms of pricing and delivery schedules, directly leading to severe delays in new vessel construction and uncontrollable costs: the first Type 26 frigate, HMS Glasgow, began construction in 2017 and is not expected to enter service until 2027; the sixth Astute-class nuclear submarine, HMS Agamemnon, took 13 years to build; the construction cycle for the new-generation Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines has been extended to 15 years. The delayed entry of new equipment further exacerbates the crisis of discontinuity between old and new systems.

II. Future Outlook: The Dawn of a Slow Recovery After Hitting Bottom

The years 2025-2026 mark the historical low point for the Royal Navy's strength. However, starting from 2027 when the Type 26 frigates officially enter service, the navy is expected to enter a slow and limited recovery period. The tense European security situation triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war has provided a relatively stable political foundation for new shipbuilding budgets, serving as a crucial external driver for the navy's revival. According to the plan, by the mid-to-late 2030s, the total number of Royal Navy destroyers/frigates is expected to rebound to 19 vessels. The already funded program for 8 Type 26 frigates and 5 Type 31 frigates constitutes the most realistic and reliable core support for this recovery goal, gradually filling the capability gap in conventional surface combatants. The years 2025-2026 mark the historical low point for the Royal Navy's strength. However, starting from 2027 when the Type 26 frigates officially enter service, the navy is expected to enter a slow and limited recovery period. The tense European security situation triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war has provided a relatively stable political foundation for new shipbuilding budgets, serving as a crucial external driver for the navy's revival. According to the plan, by the mid-to-late 2030s, the total number of Royal Navy destroyers/frigates is expected to rebound to 19 vessels. The already funded program for 8 Type 26 frigates and 5 Type 31 frigates constitutes the most realistic and reliable core support for this recovery goal, gradually filling the capability gap in conventional surface combatants.

III. Analysis of Main Warships: Current Inventory and Future Core Forces

Strategic Core: Queen Elizabeth-class Aircraft Carrier

As the largest warship in the history of the Royal Navy, the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier has a standard displacement of 65,000 tons and a full-load displacement of 80,000 tons. It includes two vessels: the HMS Queen Elizabeth (commissioned in 2017) and the HMS Prince of Wales (commissioned in 2019). Its technical highlights are significant: it adopts an integrated electric propulsion system (2 MT-30 gas turbine generator sets + 4 diesel generator sets), with world-leading energy efficiency and system integration levels; it features the world's first dual-island layout, providing unique advantages in flight command and hull management. As the largest warship in the history of the Royal Navy, the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier has a standard displacement of 65,000 tons and a full-load displacement of 80,000 tons. It includes two vessels: the HMS Queen Elizabeth (commissioned in 2017) and the HMS Prince of Wales (commissioned in 2019). Its technical highlights are significant: it adopts an integrated electric propulsion system (2 MT-30 gas turbine generator sets + 4 diesel generator sets), with world-leading energy efficiency and system integration levels; it features the world's first dual-island layout, providing unique advantages in flight command and hull management.

In terms of aviation capability, this class of ship can routinely carry 12-24 F-35B fighter jets, which can be increased to 48 under extreme circumstances. The maximum daily sortie rate can reach up to 110 sorties. Additionally, it can carry 14 Merlin HM2 multi-mission helicopters. However, its limitations are equally prominent: the ski-jump deck design results in a lower maximum takeoff/return payload for carrier-based aircraft, preventing the launch and recovery of key aircraft types such as the E-2 early warning aircraft and the MQ-25 drone, which constrains the carrier strike group's system-of-systems combat capability. Furthermore, the readiness rate of the F-35B fleet is relatively low. A 2025 report from the UK National Audit Office indicated that only one-third of F-35 aircraft are capable of performing all assigned missions, with personnel shortages, difficulties in spare parts supply, and delays in integrating key weapons being the primary reasons. In the future, this class of ship may adopt a "littoral platform" model or a "rotational mothballing" model (one ship mothballed for 6-7 years while the other is on duty) to balance force sustainment and cost pressures. In terms of aviation capability, this class of ship can routinely carry 12-24 F-35B fighter jets, which can be increased to 48 under extreme circumstances. The maximum daily sortie rate can reach up to 110 sorties. Additionally, it can carry 14 Merlin HM2 multi-mission helicopters. However, its limitations are equally prominent: the ski-jump deck design results in a lower maximum takeoff/return payload for carrier-based aircraft, preventing the launch and recovery of key aircraft types such as the E-2 early warning aircraft and the MQ-25 drone, which constrains the carrier strike group's system-of-systems combat capability. Furthermore, the readiness rate of the F-35B fleet is relatively low. A 2025 report from the UK National Audit Office indicated that only one-third of F-35 aircraft are capable of performing all assigned missions, with personnel shortages, difficulties in spare parts supply, and delays in integrating key weapons being the primary reasons. In the future, this class of ship may adopt a "littoral platform" model or a "rotational mothballing" model (one ship mothballed for 6-7 years while the other is on duty) to balance force sustainment and cost pressures.

The Backbone of Air Defense: Type Air Defense Destroyer

The Type 45 destroyer (also known as the Daring class), with a total of 6 ships built, serves as the core of fleet air defense for the Royal Navy, primarily tasked with protecting carrier strike groups and amphibious forces. Despite being widely criticized for frequent power system failures, this class remains the most advanced air defense destroyer in Europe today. Its core advantage lies in the Sea Viper air defense system (PAAMS, jointly developed by France, Italy, and the UK): The British version is equipped with the Sampson multi-function fire control radar, which outperforms the EMPAR radar used by France and Italy. Combined with the S1850M long-range search radar, command system, and Aster 30/15 surface-to-air missiles, it provides comprehensive area air defense capability. The Type 45 destroyer (also known as the Daring class), with a total of 6 ships built, serves as the core of fleet air defense for the Royal Navy, primarily tasked with protecting carrier strike groups and amphibious forces. Despite being widely criticized for frequent power system failures, this class remains the most advanced air defense destroyer in Europe today. Its core advantage lies in the Sea Viper air defense system (PAAMS, jointly developed by France, Italy, and the UK): The British version is equipped with the Sampson multi-function fire control radar, which outperforms the EMPAR radar used by France and Italy. Combined with the S1850M long-range search radar, command system, and Aster 30/15 surface-to-air missiles, it provides comprehensive area air defense capability.

This class of ship has a full load displacement of 8,500 tons and is equipped with a 48-cell Sylver A50 vertical launch system. To address existing shortcomings, the UK is advancing several upgrade and modification programs: installing three new diesel generators to resolve propulsion system issues; adding a 24-cell vertical launch system on the forward deck for launching Sea Ceptor air defense missiles (range approximately 25 kilometers); dedicating all existing 48 A50 VLS cells for launching Aster 30 Block 1 NT air defense missiles; and upgrading the Sampson radar while integrating the Aster 30 Block 1 BMD ballistic missile defense missile. After the upgrades, the Type 45 will possess the capability to intercept medium and short-range ballistic missiles with a range of 600 kilometers, significantly enhancing its air defense and anti-missile combat capabilities. This class of ship has a full load displacement of 8,500 tons and is equipped with a 48-cell Sylver A50 vertical launch system. To address existing shortcomings, the UK is advancing several upgrade and modification programs: installing three new diesel generators to resolve propulsion system issues; adding a 24-cell vertical launch system on the forward deck for launching Sea Ceptor air defense missiles (range approximately 25 kilometers); dedicating all existing 48 A50 VLS cells for launching Aster 30 Block 1 NT air defense missiles; and upgrading the Sampson radar while integrating the Aster 30 Block 1 BMD ballistic missile defense missile. After the upgrades, the Type 45 will possess the capability to intercept medium and short-range ballistic missiles with a range of 600 kilometers, significantly enhancing its air defense and anti-missile combat capabilities.

Transitional Power: Type Frigate

A total of 16 Type 23 frigates (Duke class) were built. Currently, 7 are in active service, 3 have been resold to the Chilean Navy, and 6 have been decommissioned. They serve as the Royal Navy's current **"transitional main force" for conventional surface warfare. Designed in the 1980s, this class was initially focused on anti-submarine warfare. After multiple rounds of modernization, it has become a well-balanced general-purpose combat vessel**. It has a full load displacement of 4,900 tons, a length of 133 meters, a beam of 16.1 meters, and a maximum speed of 32 knots. A total of 16 Type 23 frigates (Duke class) were built. Currently, 7 are in active service, 3 have been resold to the Chilean Navy, and 6 have been decommissioned. They serve as the Royal Navy's current **"transitional main force" for conventional surface warfare. Designed in the 1980s, this class was initially focused on anti-submarine warfare. After multiple rounds of modernization, it has become a well-balanced general-purpose combat vessel**. It has a full load displacement of 4,900 tons, a length of 133 meters, a beam of 16.1 meters, and a maximum speed of 32 knots.

The core equipment of the currently active 7 Type 23 frigates includes: the BAE Type 997 "Artisan" radar (capable of simultaneously tracking 1000 tennis ball-sized targets within 200 km, with strong anti-jamming capabilities), a 12-cell vertical launch system (firing Sea Ceptor air defense missiles), 2 quadruple launchers for the Norwegian NSM Naval Strike Missile (the world's first fifth-generation stealth anti-ship/land-attack cruise missile, difficult to detect but with limited warhead power), and the Thales 2087 towed array sonar (its detection capability is highly classified). Overall, the comprehensive combat capability of the Type 23 remains "adequate" to this day, but it has entered the mid-to-late stage of its service life, with rising maintenance costs and platform performance reaching its limit. It will be gradually retired as the Type 26 frigates enter service. The core equipment of the currently active 7 Type 23 frigates includes: the BAE Type 997 "Artisan" radar (capable of simultaneously tracking 1000 tennis ball-sized targets within 200 km, with strong anti-jamming capabilities), a 12-cell vertical launch system (firing Sea Ceptor air defense missiles), 2 quadruple launchers for the Norwegian NSM Naval Strike Missile (the world's first fifth-generation stealth anti-ship/land-attack cruise missile, difficult to detect but with limited warhead power), and the Thales 2087 towed array sonar (its detection capability is highly classified). Overall, the comprehensive combat capability of the Type 23 remains "adequate" to this day, but it has entered the mid-to-late stage of its service life, with rising maintenance costs and platform performance reaching its limit. It will be gradually retired as the Type 26 frigates enter service.

Future Anti-Submarine Warfare Core: Type 054B Frigate (City Class)

The Type 26 frigate is the new generation main frigate currently under construction by the Royal Navy. It is centered on anti-submarine warfare while also balancing air defense and general combat capabilities. Eight ships are planned, making it one of the core forces of the future surface fleet. Regarding progress, the first ship, HMS Glasgow, has entered the outfitting stage. Sea trials are expected to begin in 2026, with official commissioning in 2027. The Type 26 frigate is the new generation main frigate currently under construction by the Royal Navy. It is centered on anti-submarine warfare while also balancing air defense and general combat capabilities. Eight ships are planned, making it one of the core forces of the future surface fleet. Regarding progress, the first ship, HMS Glasgow, has entered the outfitting stage. Sea trials are expected to begin in 2026, with official commissioning in 2027.

This class of ship is based on the **"Global Combat Ship" design philosophy**, emphasizing high modularity and long-term evolution capabilities. Its greatest advantage lies in its anti-submarine performance: it employs a highly optimized silent propulsion system, with hull lines specifically designed to reduce water flow noise and hull-water surface interaction, possessing extremely low acoustic signatures, and is regarded as one of the best anti-submarine warship designs in the world today. International cooperation is a key feature of the Type 26, with its derivative models including the Australian Hunter-class heavy frigate (6 ships) and the Canadian Surface Combatant (15 ships). Scale procurement dilutes the high design and construction costs. This class of ship is based on the **"Global Combat Ship" design philosophy**, emphasizing high modularity and long-term evolution capabilities. Its greatest advantage lies in its anti-submarine performance: it employs a highly optimized silent propulsion system, with hull lines specifically designed to reduce water flow noise and hull-water surface interaction, possessing extremely low acoustic signatures, and is regarded as one of the best anti-submarine warship designs in the world today. International cooperation is a key feature of the Type 26, with its derivative models including the Australian Hunter-class heavy frigate (6 ships) and the Canadian Surface Combatant (15 ships). Scale procurement dilutes the high design and construction costs.

The Type 26 has a full-load displacement of approximately 8,000 tons, a length of 149.9 meters, a beam of 20.8 meters, and a maximum speed exceeding 26 knots. Its weapon and sensor configuration is relatively conservative: it retains the Type 997 "Artisan" radar, Type 2150 hull-mounted sonar, and Type 2087 towed array sonar; it is equipped with a 48-cell vertical launch system for firing Sea Ceptor air defense missiles.The core highlight is the additional installation of a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system, capable of launching the future cruise/anti-ship weapon jointly developed by the UK and France—the "Storm Shadow"/SCALP Naval derivative missile (air-breathing medium-pressure engine, maximum speed Mach 3, range approximately 300 kilometers, carrying a 200-kilogram warhead). Furthermore, the large integrated mission bay and spacious hangar amidships give it multi-mission capability, allowing for rapid equipment reconfiguration to perform anti-submarine warfare, patrol, special operations, humanitarian missions, and other tasks. The platform has ample upgrade redundancy, with its initial combat capability serving merely as a starting point for development. The Type 26 has a full-load displacement of approximately 8,000 tons, a length of 149.9 meters, a beam of 20.8 meters, and a maximum speed exceeding 26 knots. Its weapon and sensor configuration is relatively conservative: it retains the Type 997 "Artisan" radar, Type 2150 hull-mounted sonar, and Type 2087 towed array sonar; it is equipped with a 48-cell vertical launch system for firing Sea Ceptor air defense missiles.The core highlight is the additional installation of a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system, capable of launching the future cruise/anti-ship weapon jointly developed by the UK and France—the "Storm Shadow"/SCALP Naval derivative missile (air-breathing medium-pressure engine, maximum speed Mach 3, range approximately 300 kilometers, carrying a 200-kilogram warhead). Furthermore, the large integrated mission bay and spacious hangar amidships give it multi-mission capability, allowing for rapid equipment reconfiguration to perform anti-submarine warfare, patrol, special operations, humanitarian missions, and other tasks. The platform has ample upgrade redundancy, with its initial combat capability serving merely as a starting point for development.

Low-cost supplement: Type frigate (Inspiration class)

The Type 31 frigate is a low-cost general-purpose frigate developed by the Royal Navy to control costs. Five ships are planned, with its core mission being to fill the capability gap before the Type 26 enters service, making it suitable for low-intensity operational environments. Regarding progress, the lead ship, "Adventurer," has been launched and is expected to enter service by the end of 2026 at the earliest. The Type 31 frigate is a low-cost general-purpose frigate developed by the Royal Navy to control costs. Five ships are planned, with its core mission being to fill the capability gap before the Type 26 enters service, making it suitable for low-intensity operational environments. Regarding progress, the lead ship, "Adventurer," has been launched and is expected to enter service by the end of 2026 at the earliest.

The birth of this class of ship carries a distinct "frugal" character: originally, 13 Type 26 vessels (8 anti-submarine + 5 general-purpose) were planned. However, as the unit cost of the Type 26 soared to £1.4 billion, far exceeding affordability, the UK turned to seek a low-cost, short-cycle solution. Ultimately, based on Babcock's Arrowhead 140 design (an improved version derived from the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate), the Type 31 was developed. Its performance parameters are: length 138.7 meters, beam 20.36 meters, standard displacement 5,700 tons, full load displacement 7,000 tons, crew complement approximately 110 (with space reserved for 80 additional personnel), total range 7,500 nautical miles, and maximum speed exceeding 26 knots. The birth of this class of ship carries a distinct "frugal" character: originally, 13 Type 26 vessels (8 anti-submarine + 5 general-purpose) were planned. However, as the unit cost of the Type 26 soared to £1.4 billion, far exceeding affordability, the UK turned to seek a low-cost, short-cycle solution. Ultimately, based on Babcock's Arrowhead 140 design (an improved version derived from the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate), the Type 31 was developed. Its performance parameters are: length 138.7 meters, beam 20.36 meters, standard displacement 5,700 tons, full load displacement 7,000 tons, crew complement approximately 110 (with space reserved for 80 additional personnel), total range 7,500 nautical miles, and maximum speed exceeding 26 knots.

In terms of mission positioning, the Type 31 is specifically designed for low-intensity combat environments, primarily undertaking peacetime missions such as maritime security, anti-piracy, escort, and disaster relief, complementing the high-intensity confrontation-oriented Type 26. The core advantage of this class is its modular capability. The modular mission bay in the midship section can flexibly configure payloads such as unmanned vehicles, relief supplies, and Marine Corps detachments. The weapon configuration includes one 57mm Bofors Mk 110 main gun, two 40mm Bofors Mk 4 secondary guns, and provisions for one set of 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (the missile type has not been finalized). The combat system inherits the Thales TACTICOS Combat Management System and advanced sensors such as the NS100 radar and N8-S400 fire control radar. In terms of mission positioning, the Type 31 is specifically designed for low-intensity combat environments, primarily undertaking peacetime missions such as maritime security, anti-piracy, escort, and disaster relief, complementing the high-intensity confrontation-oriented Type 26. The core advantage of this class is its modular capability. The modular mission bay in the midship section can flexibly configure payloads such as unmanned vehicles, relief supplies, and Marine Corps detachments. The weapon configuration includes one 57mm Bofors Mk 110 main gun, two 40mm Bofors Mk 4 secondary guns, and provisions for one set of 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (the missile type has not been finalized). The combat system inherits the Thales TACTICOS Combat Management System and advanced sensors such as the NS100 radar and N8-S400 fire control radar.

In the future, the Type 31 will be developed into a universal command ship for directing large unmanned surface vessels and remote autonomous systems, aligning with the direction of hybrid fleet development. Overall, this class of ship sets a new benchmark for cost-effective naval defense, demonstrating that versatility and strong performance do not necessarily come with a high price tag. Together with the Type 26, it will form the backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet. In the future, the Type 31 will be developed into a universal command ship for directing large unmanned surface vessels and remote autonomous systems, aligning with the direction of hybrid fleet development. Overall, this class of ship sets a new benchmark for cost-effective naval defense, demonstrating that versatility and strong performance do not necessarily come with a high price tag. Together with the Type 26, it will form the backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet.

Underwater Dagger: Astute-class Nuclear-powered Attack Submarine

The Astute-class nuclear attack submarine is widely recognized as one of the stealthiest and highest-performing submarines in the world. A total of seven vessels are planned, with six currently in service, and the final one, HMS Achilles, still under construction. The core advantages of this class lie in its power and stealth capabilities: it is equipped with one Rolls-Royce PWR2 nuclear reactor (originally developed for the Vanguard class), featuring a long-life core design that requires no refueling for 25 years, significantly reducing costs and increasing availability. The hull is covered with over 39,000 anechoic tiles, internal heavy machinery is mounted on vibration-damping platforms, piping is acoustically isolated, and it employs a pump-jet propulsion system to avoid cavitation, resulting in extremely low noise levels, in some cases lower than the natural background noise of the ocean. The Astute-class nuclear attack submarine is widely recognized as one of the stealthiest and highest-performing submarines in the world. A total of seven vessels are planned, with six currently in service, and the final one, HMS Achilles, still under construction. The core advantages of this class lie in its power and stealth capabilities: it is equipped with one Rolls-Royce PWR2 nuclear reactor (originally developed for the Vanguard class), featuring a long-life core design that requires no refueling for 25 years, significantly reducing costs and increasing availability. The hull is covered with over 39,000 anechoic tiles, internal heavy machinery is mounted on vibration-damping platforms, piping is acoustically isolated, and it employs a pump-jet propulsion system to avoid cavitation, resulting in extremely low noise levels, in some cases lower than the natural background noise of the ocean.

The Astute-class submarine has an underwater displacement of 7,400 tons, a hull length of 97 meters, and a maximum speed of 30 knots. Its firepower configuration is robust: six 533-mm torpedo tubes capable of carrying 38 torpedoes/missiles, including the Spearfish heavy torpedo (wire-guided, active/passive acoustic homing, range 65 km, speed 60 knots) and the Tomahawk Block V cruise missile (precision strike against targets within 1,600 km). In terms of sensors, it is equipped with the Thales 2076 integrated active/passive sonar system (world-class), capable of tracking a double-decker bus-sized target at a distance of approximately 96 km; and an advanced optronic mast system, which reduces the submarine's surfacing time and lowers the risk of detection. The Astute-class submarine has an underwater displacement of 7,400 tons, a hull length of 97 meters, and a maximum speed of 30 knots. Its firepower configuration is robust: six 533-mm torpedo tubes capable of carrying 38 torpedoes/missiles, including the Spearfish heavy torpedo (wire-guided, active/passive acoustic homing, range 65 km, speed 60 knots) and the Tomahawk Block V cruise missile (precision strike against targets within 1,600 km). In terms of sensors, it is equipped with the Thales 2076 integrated active/passive sonar system (world-class), capable of tracking a double-decker bus-sized target at a distance of approximately 96 km; and an advanced optronic mast system, which reduces the submarine's surfacing time and lowers the risk of detection.

Core of Strategic Deterrence: Vanguard-class and Dreadnought-class Ballistic Missile Submarines

A total of 4 Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines were built ("Vanguard", "Victorious", "Vigilant", "Revenge"), all commissioned in the 1990s, serving as the sole platform of the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent (following the retirement of air-launched nuclear weapons in 1998). This class exceeds 150 meters in length, with a submerged displacement of approximately 16,000 tons, making them the largest submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. They are powered by a PWR2 pressurized water reactor, generating 145 megawatts of thermal power, which drives two GEC steam turbines, providing a propulsion power of 20.5 megawatts. A total of 4 Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines were built ("Vanguard", "Victorious", "Vigilant", "Revenge"), all commissioned in the 1990s, serving as the sole platform of the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent (following the retirement of air-launched nuclear weapons in 1998). This class exceeds 150 meters in length, with a submerged displacement of approximately 16,000 tons, making them the largest submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. They are powered by a PWR2 pressurized water reactor, generating 145 megawatts of thermal power, which drives two GEC steam turbines, providing a propulsion power of 20.5 megawatts.

In terms of weapon systems, the Vanguard-class is equipped with 16 ballistic missile launch tubes, theoretically capable of carrying 128 nuclear warheads. However, during actual patrol missions, it carries only 8 operational Trident II D5 missiles (totaling 40 nuclear warheads). It is important to note that the UK does not own the Trident missiles. Instead, it leases 58 missiles shared with the U.S. Navy from the Strategic Weapons Facility, Kings Bay, Georgia, USA. Additionally, it is equipped with four 533-mm torpedo tubes carrying Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. Originally scheduled to begin decommissioning in 2022, the Vanguard-class is currently undergoing additional modifications to extend its service life by 5-10 years until it is replaced by the Dreadnought-class. In terms of weapon systems, the Vanguard-class is equipped with 16 ballistic missile launch tubes, theoretically capable of carrying 128 nuclear warheads. However, during actual patrol missions, it carries only 8 operational Trident II D5 missiles (totaling 40 nuclear warheads). It is important to note that the UK does not own the Trident missiles. Instead, it leases 58 missiles shared with the U.S. Navy from the Strategic Weapons Facility, Kings Bay, Georgia, USA. Additionally, it is equipped with four 533-mm torpedo tubes carrying Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. Originally scheduled to begin decommissioning in 2022, the Vanguard-class is currently undergoing additional modifications to extend its service life by 5-10 years until it is replaced by the Dreadnought-class.

The Dreadnought-class is a new-generation strategic nuclear submarine designed to replace the Vanguard-class. Four vessels are planned, all of which have already commenced construction. They are expected to enter service successively after 2030 and will become the core of the UK's sea-based nuclear deterrent for decades to come. This class has a submerged displacement of approximately 17,200 tons and a hull length of 153.6 meters. It is the first to adopt the Rolls-Royce PWR3 pressurized water reactor, which offers significant improvements over the PWR2 in terms of safety, reliability, and service life. Operations are simplified, maintenance costs are lower, and internal components are reduced by about 30%, theoretically achieving a full lifecycle without the need for refueling. In design, the Dreadnought-class introduces an X-shaped stern rudder layout positioned ahead of the pump-jet propulsor, greatly reducing hydrodynamic noise during high-speed navigation. The sonar system continues with the Thales 2076 integrated sonar system from the Astute-class, possessing world-class passive detection capabilities. Each vessel is equipped with 12 ballistic missile launch tubes (fewer than the Vanguard-class's 16), carrying the improved Trident II D5 missile, balancing deterrence capability with cost control. The Dreadnought-class is a new-generation strategic nuclear submarine designed to replace the Vanguard-class. Four vessels are planned, all of which have already commenced construction. They are expected to enter service successively after 2030 and will become the core of the UK's sea-based nuclear deterrent for decades to come. This class has a submerged displacement of approximately 17,200 tons and a hull length of 153.6 meters. It is the first to adopt the Rolls-Royce PWR3 pressurized water reactor, which offers significant improvements over the PWR2 in terms of safety, reliability, and service life. Operations are simplified, maintenance costs are lower, and internal components are reduced by about 30%, theoretically achieving a full lifecycle without the need for refueling. In design, the Dreadnought-class introduces an X-shaped stern rudder layout positioned ahead of the pump-jet propulsor, greatly reducing hydrodynamic noise during high-speed navigation. The sonar system continues with the Thales 2076 integrated sonar system from the Astute-class, possessing world-class passive detection capabilities. Each vessel is equipped with 12 ballistic missile launch tubes (fewer than the Vanguard-class's 16), carrying the improved Trident II D5 missile, balancing deterrence capability with cost control.

IV. Conclusion: The Year's Underlying Factors and Keys to Recovery

In 2026, the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is at a **critical juncture of "bottoming out and rebounding"**: its current combat power is constrained by issues such as an insufficient scale of conventional surface vessels, low equipment readiness rates, and a lagging shipbuilding industry. The glory of being the "Number One Navy in Europe" has faded, yet it still retains strategic assets like aircraft carriers and advanced nuclear submarines, which form its core trump cards. The construction progress of the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates is key to its future recovery: the Type 26 will undergo sea trials in 2026 and enter service in 2027, while the first Type 31 vessel is expected to enter service by the end of 2026. These two types of vessels will gradually fill the combat power gap left by the retirement of the Type 23 frigates, synergizing with the Type 45 destroyers and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to drive the fleet structure from **"distorted imbalance" towards a "balanced and controllable" transformation**. In 2026, the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is at a **critical juncture of "bottoming out and rebounding"**: its current combat power is constrained by issues such as an insufficient scale of conventional surface vessels, low equipment readiness rates, and a lagging shipbuilding industry. The glory of being the "Number One Navy in Europe" has faded, yet it still retains strategic assets like aircraft carriers and advanced nuclear submarines, which form its core trump cards. The construction progress of the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates is key to its future recovery: the Type 26 will undergo sea trials in 2026 and enter service in 2027, while the first Type 31 vessel is expected to enter service by the end of 2026. These two types of vessels will gradually fill the combat power gap left by the retirement of the Type 23 frigates, synergizing with the Type 45 destroyers and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to drive the fleet structure from **"distorted imbalance" towards a "balanced and controllable" transformation**.

In the long run, the recovery of the Royal Navy depends not only on equipment upgrades but also on addressing deep-seated issues such as shipbuilding industry monopolies, imbalanced budget allocation, and shortages of personnel and spare parts. The security pressure brought by the Russia-Ukraine war has provided short-term policy support for naval development. However, achieving the goal of increasing the total number of destroyers/frigates to 19 by the mid-to-late 2030s still requires overcoming multiple challenges, including cost control, project management, and the reconstruction of industrial capabilities. By 2026, the Royal Navy, with limited resources yet retaining strategic deterrence and recovery potential, will see its development trajectory profoundly impact the maritime power landscape in Europe. In the long run, the recovery of the Royal Navy depends not only on equipment upgrades but also on addressing deep-seated issues such as shipbuilding industry monopolies, imbalanced budget allocation, and shortages of personnel and spare parts. The security pressure brought by the Russia-Ukraine war has provided short-term policy support for naval development. However, achieving the goal of increasing the total number of destroyers/frigates to 19 by the mid-to-late 2030s still requires overcoming multiple challenges, including cost control, project management, and the reconstruction of industrial capabilities. By 2026, the Royal Navy, with limited resources yet retaining strategic deterrence and recovery potential, will see its development trajectory profoundly impact the maritime power landscape in Europe.