This is a rather remarkable and insightful short segment interview with the British Defense Secretary, who outlines how the great British Navy will defend their interests.
Once you realize what is said in this segment, you start to realize just how dependent NATO is on the protection provided by the United States. WATCH:
…”Britain was forced to ‘borrow’ a German vessel for a NATO operation next month, led by the United Kingdom, after HMS Dragon was deployed to Middle East.”…
Posted in Big Government, Big Stupid Government, Military, NATO, Uncategorized, United Kingdom (UK) and Great Britain
Britain can’t even find 1.2 illegal aliens walking around in their own country.
And that’s an island for goodness sake.
A: Easy. They’re the guys stalking behind the 14 year-old Scottish girls.
There’s a really good reason they’re called EUnuchs
Okay, I chuckled
I guffawed
lol.
That’s a feature, not a bug.
Sure they can, they just choose not to.
… and raping their women and girls. Sad end for such a magnificent and historic nation.
Yeah, it used to be only the king could rape brides.
This is just terribly sad. The idiots really are in charge….
What is really sad is that they completely destroyed their Country in favor of Muslims. PDJT should just tell NATO to F off.
Great Britain used to have the most powerful navy in the world. Now, ONE ship! ONE. Which means the remaining 16 vessels are out of operation or includes the life-boats and they really have just the one.
This is beyond insane, this is complete lack of concern for the safety and security of the British and Commonwealth countries.
Proves that President Trump was right… they are nothing without the USA providing military assets for their defense.
Mind blowing, isn’t it? …and sad.
🤦🏼♂️
Britain has something like 63 ships in its Navy. Plus another 9 in the Reserve. Still pathetic for a once great nation, though.
They’re borrowing one because there must be a need for a specific type for this exercise.
They may be virtually worthless in helping the US with Iran, but they’re not down to owning a single ship.
A difference without a distinction.
There is a need for a specific type of vessel, alright.
Without borrowing this specific type of vessel, Britain is unable to “Command” anything!!
In essence, Britain is borrowing this specific vessel to create the illusion they are relevant.
They ain’t!
“The Royal Navy has been forced to borrow the German frigate FGS Sachsen to lead a NATO mission in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea because no British warship was available.
This operational necessity arose after the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon was redeployed to Cyprus in response to escalating tensions with Iran,
leaving the UK without a suitable vessel to command the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts.
“Royal” Navy. That’s a joke, right?
AI must have really stretched the old “Benefit of the doubt” idiom (to the extreme), to justify getting away with that one…
To be sure
Quoted parts are Wiki AI citations:
The Royal Navy has roughly TWO Flag Officers for every ship in the fleet, including their Patrol Boats.
“As of July 1, 2025, there are 134 Admirals and Flag Officers in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. This figure encompasses all officers of flag rank (rear admiral and above, plus commodores). “
“As of December 2025, there are 63 commissioned and active ships in the Royal Navy.
Of the commissioned vessels, fifteen are major surface combatants (two aircraft carriers, six guided missile destroyers and seven frigates) and ten are nuclear-powered submarines (four ballistic missile submarines and six fleet submarines). In addition the Navy possesses eight mine countermeasures vessels, twenty-six patrol vessels, two survey vessels, one icebreaker and one historic warship, Victory.”
But how many are battle ships? 16, and only 1 is in operation.
The rest are rusty subs and rusty buckets…
Dinghies and tugboats don’t qualify.
Despite these numbers, only about five ships are serviceable and immediately available for deployment, while the majority are undergoing maintenance, refitting, or lack sufficient crew due to (qualified) personnel shortages.
Defence Secretary John Healey was unable to confirm the exact number of active warships and many ships tied up in dry dock or “extended readiness,” the fleet is effectively reduced to a single operational destroyer (HMS Dragon) in some regions, making external assistance necessary.
The need to borrow a German warship for a NATO exercise stems from chronic underinvestment and mechanical unavailability, leaving the UK unable to field a vessel for missions it was scheduled to command.
The Royal Navy’s sharp drop in ship availability stems from chronic underfunding, poor procurement decisions, and industrial mismanagement over decades.
1 Key causes
Design flaws and lack of testing: The Type 45 destroyers suffer from propulsion system failures, particularly the WR-21 gas turbines, due to the Ministry of Defence’s decision to skip building an onshore test facility to save costs.
2 Delayed shipbuilding programmes : Replacements like the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates were ordered too late, forcing the Navy to extend the service life of ageing Type 23 frigates, which are now costly and difficult to maintain.
3 Personnel shortages: As of early 2026, the Type 23 frigates face severe maintenance challenges due to their age—many are over 30 years old—leading to:
Hull corrosion and structural fatigue: Despite Life Extension (LIFEX) refits, widespread corrosion and steel degradation persist, requiring extensive repairs. Ships like HMS Iron Duke needed 2,000 steel inserts during refit, costing £103 million.
Extended refit durations: LIFEX refits have taken significantly longer than planned—HMS St Albans spent 58 months in refit, the longest of the class.
Power generation issues: Only three Type 23s (HMS Richmond, St Albans, Sutherland) received the Power Generation Machinery Upgrade (PGMU). The rest operate on outdated, less reliable diesel generators, increasing breakdown risks.
Frequent dry docking requirements: Under Lloyds certification rules, ships must be dry-docked every six years, creating a rolling maintenance burden.
Post-refit unavailability: Even after refit, ships like HMS Somerset faced delays returning to service due to unresolved defects.
Currently, only a handful of Type 23s are operationally available, with HMS Kent undergoing deep maintenance and others like HMS Richmond nearing the end of their serviceable life.
The fleet is being kept afloat through stopgap repairs, but many are unlikely to last into the 2030s as originally hoped.
Specific maintenance issues affect Type 23 frigates in 2026. As of 2026, the next Type 23 frigates scheduled for decommissioning are:
HMS Kent: Currently in refit at Devonport, it is expected to enter a prolonged post-LIFEX refit in 2026, with decommissioning likely in the late 2020s.
HMS Portland: Set to enter its major post-LIFEX refit in 2027, often referred to as the “refit of death,” with decommissioning expected afterward.
HMS Somerset: Scheduled to enter the same deep refit in 2028, marking the final phase before decommissioning.
HMS Iron Duke and HMS St Albans: Both are expected to undergo their final refits in 2029, with decommissioning planned by the early 2030s.
The Royal Navy plans to phase out all Type 23 frigates by 2035, with the final units—HMS St Albans (the newest, commissioned in 2002) and HMS Sutherland—likely being the last to retire.
The decommissioning schedule is closely tied to the delivery of Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, which are entering service from 2028 onward.
The last Type 23 frigate, HMS St Albans, is currently scheduled to be decommissioned in 2035.
This date has been consistently cited in official and defence reporting as the planned endpoint for the class, despite earlier retirements of other vessels due to cost and maintenance issues. The Royal Navy is managing a gradual transition to the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, with the final Type 23 expected to remain in service until at least the mid-2030s to maintain fleet numbers.
Last Type 23 frigate decommissioning date Royal Navy
The main reasons for retiring the Type 23 frigates are:
Age and structural fatigue: Designed for an 18-year service life, most have exceeded 30 years of operation, leading to hull corrosion, steel degradation, and mechanical wear that make repairs increasingly costly and impractical.
Unsustainable maintenance costs: Refits like the Life Extension (LIFEX) programme have proven expensive and time-consuming, with some ships (e.g., HMS Northumberland) deemed uneconomical to repair.
Certification expiry: Under Lloyd’s classification rules, ships require dry docking every six years. As vessels age, meeting safety and operational standards becomes harder, and certification renewal is no longer viable.
Delays in replacement programmes: The Type 26 and Type 31 frigates are arriving years behind schedule, forcing early retirements without direct replacements, contributing to a “frigate gap”.
Personnel shortages: The Royal Navy lacks sufficient trained crews, leading to early retirements to reallocate sailors to newer or more capable platforms.
Despite upgrades like the Power Generation Machinery Upgrade (PGMU), the physical limits of the hulls and machinery mean continued service is no longer feasible.
Type 23 frigate retirement reasons Royal Navy 2026
The key challenges in upgrading Type 23 frigates beyond LIFEX
The key challenges in upgrading Type 23 frigates beyond the Life Extension (LIFEX) programme are:
Hull and structural degradation: The frigates were originally designed for an 18-year service life, and after over 30 years of operations, their hulls suffer from corrosion, steel fatigue, and unrepairable damage, making further upgrades impractical.
Diminishing returns on investment: Despite spending £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on LIFEX and other upgrades, many ships are being retired shortly after refit—HMS Westminster, Argyll, and Northumberland were deemed beyond economic repair despite prior investments.
Mechanical obsolescence: While combat systems can be updated, the propulsion and machinery systems are increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain.
Certification and safety limits: Under Lloyd’s classification rules, ships require dry docking every six years. As the vessels age, meeting safety and operational standards becomes unviable.
Focus on replacement programmes: Resources are being shifted to the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, making further investment in Type 23s a lower priority.
As a result, even upgraded ships like HMS Richmond—fitted with new generators—are being retired early due to the physical limits of the platform, not combat capability.
What i Find AMAZING is that the OLD ALL STEEL 327 Class Cutters Lasted from the Mid 1930s til they Retired in the Mid 1980s – 50 Years, 4 Wars and Ocean Patrols
The 378 Class Cutters were Commissioned in the 1970s and are STILL in Service in Foreign Nations after LE for Drugs, Fisheries Patrols in the North Atlantic and the Bering Sea – Retired from the Coast Guard Starting in the 2010s and The Last Transferred in 2021. 50 Years, 3 Wars and STILL SAILING
They were the FIRST Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system in a Warship and Aluminum Superstructure on Steel Hull
WHAT HAPPENED to SHIP DESIGN ?
Thank you for that most informative reply!
“Britain has something like 63 ships in its Navy.”
The rubber ones in King Chuck’s bathtub don’t count.
DM Healy wasn’t prepared for this interview.
He couldn’t even waffle competently.
Dead air, dead air, dead air question after question after question.
Dinghies crossing the Channel daily?
Plenty.
Warships?
I’d say “pathetic”, but it is worse than that.
And here I nothing else but this…
Just thinking…
Today, if Argentina were so inclined, it could sail in, take over the Falklands, and the British government could do absolutely nothing to stop it.
🎯
I’m inclined to think that Argentina could sail in, and take over Britain……
*giggle, snort*
(but in a ladylike way 😎)
this might be not PC but who cares, just drop bacon out of some airplanes
The Moose Slums didn’t even sail.
And their takeover is nearly complete.
Its going to happen
I dare say under Millei the British Falklanders will be happier than under Herr Starmer
Keir Starmer and his soy-boy ilk are unfit to hold The Iron Lady Baroness Thatcher’s handbag.
Hang on there – stop knocking us.
We have 5 Admirals for every war ship, so we are ready for any cintingency
🤣
Methinks the First Lord of the Admiralty out of a sense of embarrassment and shame should resign his commission, Patrick.
In person, to the King…
Just as soon as Charles finishes his evening Islamic prayers.
I must hasten to add there is no family connection with hairsuit depleted Marxist “defence minister Healey( he cannot even spell his name correctly)
I did wonder but could see no family resemblance. No eyebrows for a start…
Rule Britannia was one of my fave songs as a kid. 🙁
The systematic organized humiliation campaign continues for all western nations and cultures. Destroying the national defense and the lionhearted populace is a key cog of all globalists.
Obiden was weakening our military with DEI/trans agenda all day. The English are much further down the path to civilizational suicide. I pray they find their next Richard the Lionheart.
Perhaps they “loaned” their ships to Iran and as a result, their ships are currently resting on the bottom of the Persian gulf. King Charles has gotta protect his oil you know!
LOL!!!!
No worries..I’m sure France will lend plenty of white cloth to the Brits to make flags.
The Royal Navy has more admirals than it has active warships.
Imagine if he would have been asked a difficult question. Unbelievable! 🤯
He has ONE JOB!
You can’t make this up! These are not serious people!
They are serious–about handing their nation over to Muslims.
Government Insider BREAKS SILENCE on “Deeply WOKE” Deep State
In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with former Foreign Office official Ameer Kotecha, who spent more than a decade inside the British government before walking away and speaking out about what he describes as the ideological capture of our institutions.
After eleven years in the Foreign Office, Kotecha explains why he chose to leave, and why he believes a new political orthodoxy has taken hold across the civil service. He describes how diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, identity politics, and what critics call the “woke mind virus” have increasingly shaped the culture inside government departments. The conversation explores how internal training programmes, bureaucratic incentives, and institutional groupthink can influence policy-making, and why dissenting voices inside the system often feel unable to speak openly.
We discuss the growing divide between political leadership and the permanent civil service, and whether the British state has become resistant to democratic change.
We also debate the future of Britain’s institutions, the role of the civil service in a democracy, and whether meaningful reform is possible once an ideology becomes embedded inside government. A revealing conversation about power, bureaucracy, and what happens when political ideology begins to reshape the machinery of the state.
I have to laugh when the UK rattles its rusty sabre at Russia. The UK Army is a tiny shadow of the Army of the Rhine.
That’s a fact. They must have really enjoyed spending their Peace Dividend.
Pissed it all away…..
And they want a war with Russia!
Listening to that guy gave me a headache. Protect them no more, be done with these morons. They deserve what happens to them.
Please permit me to respectfully suggest a modification: they want a war between Russia and America.
they want War $$ to prop up their failed nations. With the Marshall Plan dead and playing out removing these failed alliances, good. The people in the EU countries can start to run these people into the ocean with cement shoes
Correct trapper.
Russia knows the UK is the instigators of their problems they will be the first to go. Its looking like the UK is one of our biggest problems also. The City of London has always had a big head about their control of the world maybe a long time ago, now not so much.
Don’t be too sure. The “CITY” with it’s international masonic/Jewish connections still has a big part to play in the control of the little people – and I don’t mean leprechauns.
Did you notice who just was put in charge of the Vatican’s bank? Wonder if he will restart their audit?
https://infovaticana.com/en/2026/03/27/the-vatican-puts-its-financial-power-in-the-hands-of-a-former-ceo-of-the-rothschild-group/
everyone of these leftist EU schills needs to be committed and taken away from everyday life. Not Serious, but just contaminated failed human/brain
…I am surprise after what Brits done to Russia past 4 yrs…Vlad did not flood City of London……..
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen’s Navee!
Gilbert & Sullivan, psychics. Who knew?
My Dad did. I got to listen to all their work on his fancy stereo as a kid, like it or not. Not so much them being psychics as wide awake, followed by “plus ça change”, imho.
I gotta go and polish up the handle on the big front door.
My Dad did. I got to listen to all their work on his fancy stereo as a kid, like it or not. Not so much them being psychics as wide awake, followed by “plus ça change”, imho.
I gotta go and polish up the handle on the big front door.
Social Strada Commentary
The British Navy has come a long way down since defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588!
Oh say can you see that the most powerful fleet in the world couldn’t manage to take little Fort McHenry in 1814 either!
And now the ghost of Bismark must be smiling at the Union Jack flying on a borrowed German ship!
“I see no ships” takes on a different meaning. 🤯 😡
So, they are essentially defenseless.
And, now, “Everybody Knows”!
These are the kinds of responses that in the corporate world would trigger an immediate “you’re fired.”
Obviously the UK was planning on using someone…..
Who I wonder, were they planning on using?
Tell them and the globa-lusts to get stuffed….just get royally stuffed.
Negotiate to get the nukes out of France and the UK caliphate prior to telling them all to get royally stuffed.
(rant over)
Find the cost of freedom
Buried in the ground
What a dork! The UK is doomed…
Well, its President Trump’s fault. Not sure how but somehow it has to be.
Here is an AI summary of reported Web Articles on the BN
Current State of the Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is experiencing a critical situation characterized by a significant reduction in operational ships and readiness issues. This has raised alarms regarding its capability to fulfill global commitments effectively.
Key Challenges
Reduced Fleet Size: The number of operational ships has decreased dramatically since the Cold War, leading to a fleet that is now too small to meet various mission requirements.
Readiness Issues: Many vessels are not fully operational due to maintenance delays and upgrades. For instance, only three of the six Type 45 destroyers are currently operational, while others are undergoing extended maintenance.
Funding and Strategic Planning: There is a pressing need for increased funding and better strategic planning to address the fleet’s shortcomings. Analysts have described the current state of the Royal Navy as a crisis, emphasizing the urgency for reform.
Implications
The Royal Navy’s inability to deploy sufficient escort vessels for its carrier strike groups in high-threat environments has become evident. This situation may require the UK to seek assistance from allies, such as France, to fill operational gaps. The ongoing challenges highlight the importance of addressing long-term under-resourcing and mismanagement within the Navy.
In summary, the Royal Navy’s current incapacity to operate effectively poses significant risks to its operational readiness and global maritime commitments.
They spent it all on Quality Learing Centers and welfare for Abdullah’s six wives.
Dad can I borrow the destroyer this weekend?
I actually LOL’d. Could you imagine?!
Best I can do is a couple of jet skis that need tuned..
“Son, you gotta make some money
If you wanna use the DDG
To go a-steamin’ next Sunday”
NO country since the revolutionary War came to our defense and these people in the UK and EU get both middle fingers from Mickey
Sometimes the best communication is the simplest.
True. We have always done it alone, except during the Revolutionary War, when France assisted the Colonies.
War of 1812 (1812–1815), nope. We fought the English alone, while most other countries stayed neutral or aided England. However, let’s be fair to Russia. Russia was diplomatically friendly to the U.S. and later sent naval squadrons into U.S. waters; however, not in 1812, but during the Civil War era.
The Mexican-American War (1846–1848) was fought entirely by U.S. forces against Mexico in Mexico and disputed territory. No foreign troops aided the U.S.
During the Spanish-American War (1898), the U.S. fought Spain in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, with local Cuban and Filipino insurgents fighting against Spain, but no foreign governments sent troops to aid the U.S. It was primarily an American effort.
The U.S. has rarely been in the position of needing (or receiving) large-scale foreign troop deployments on its own soil or in nearby hemispheric wars after the early republic period, unlike Europe, where alliances often brought U.S. expeditionary forces across both oceans.
During the Revolutionary War, Spain also “helped” the Americans, but not directly like the French did. With the British distracted/busy with the Americans and the French, Spain saw an opportunity and retook some of the land they had lost in the “7 Years War” along the “Gulf of America” coast and in “west” Florida. Spain also tried to take back Gibraltar, which distracted the British. Spain also provided some funding for the Americans. But Spain did not sign a formal alliance with the Americans (but did have one with the French) and did not send any troops or ships to the “13 Colonies” theater of the war.
Lafayette is still my hero! I grew up in Yorktown, Va-where Cornwallis surrendered (but did not show up for the actual surrender). The French Navy blockaded the Chesapeake Bay, York River. French troops assisted in the siege on Cornwallis’ Red Coats in Yorktown.
French actually had more troops with Wasington at Yorktown than the Colonists.
Actually, Russia came to the US’ defense during the Civil War-keeping the British out of the way:
https://themillenniumreport.com/2017/09/american-civil-war-when-russia-blocked-british-led-intervention-against-the-union/
This hay seed is the Sec of Defence?
VSGDJT sees the issue clearly. The world can’t defend themselves against Russia or any rogue nation w/o the US. Watch our President pull a rabbit out of the hat. I see an American sovereignty fund that the world will be required to invest in thereby eliminating our debt or greatly reducing it. Otherwise, we stop defending them and policing the world.
These EU parasites have been sucking American blood long enough. I am encouraged by our president’s brilliance & success. As I often say, “God hasn’t given up on America & all humanity.” (Until the end is decided)
God send your guardian angels to hover over this man!
Rum, Sodomy and the Lash!
Oh, wait–that’s just a weekend at Keir’s house.
3 Ukrainian rent boys can testify to that They torched his car and house because he didnt pay them
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Pensioners4Indy/posts/2298095014017642/
This guy (John Healy) can’t account for the British Navy! Anyone look for them in Ukraine?
You knew I would…..
“he fought so little that now he is the ruler of the Queen’s navy…”
“…the junior partnership is the only ship….and now I am the ruler of the Queen’s Navy….”
Winston Churchill, former 1st Lord of the Admiralty is spinning in his grave.
https://dunkirk1940.org/index.php?p=1_187
Scroll down some, there is a chart showing the numbers rescued…
As is Lord Nelson. “I see no ships” takes on a different meaning. 😭 😡
The once mighty Royal Navy is but a shadow of its former self, reduced to a tiny handful of often broken warships by generations of political mismanagement. This was cruelly exposed recently when Britain found it difficult to dispatch at short notice a single destroyer to Cyprus following an attack on the British base there. What the hell is happening to the Royal Navy…discover the horrific truth,
That is heart-breaking!
On March 2nd, a single drone caused minor damage to one hangar @RAF Akrotiri air base.
No one was injured.
I suspect the HMS Dragon remains near RAF Akrotiri air base, not because of it’s absolute necessity (France has sent multiple “allegedly capable” warships to the region), but rather, because it could not successfully perform the role expected of it, if tasked with commanding the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).
If it could, why choose the Internationally embarrassingly and feeble choice of “Borrowing” another countries asset?
Is the British Defense Secretary’s name Curly, Larry or Moe?
I don’t know but I bet someone has a “sister and a cousin and an aunt”….LOL HMS Pinafore…
It’s becoming increasingly clear-there is no such thing as NATO. Not in any real sense.
There is just the United States.
Time to pull the plug on the pretending.
NATO
Shell Organization for global elites, where corruption, deceit and illegal activities are prevalent.
(Heard it on the grapevine)
Wow!
Why have a Navy when the USA or as they like to quip, the Cowboys will save them.
Next it will be the excuse that if they had stayed in the EU everything would have been greater.
Pathetic and simultaneously, hilarious. We should remember that most in congress would prefer a bumbling idiot like this over Hegseth.
I’m reminded of the scene in Monty Python Holy Grail where they determine whether she is a witch or not and when asked what floats the townspeople determine that very small rocks float.
It’s the Bismarck of the Sinking.
Here’s a clue: “It’s bigger than a bread box”. Hitler must be turning over in hades lamenting he wasn’t born roughly 100 years later.
This is a great video on the deplorable state of the Royal Navy. 1 operational submarine, 1 operational carrier, 2 operational destroyers.
Churchill once said; “the British Navy runs on 3 things: rum, sodomy and the lash.”
Only one of those is left.
Even schumer doesn’t sound that clueless. How embarrassing for the UK.
The Kakistocracy that we’re eliminating in the U.S. aren’t going quietly, as we supposed. Apparently, they’re joining Rosie in Great Britain. 0.0
J
Perhaps the UK should look in the bathtub for their boats.
What is Charles King of again?
The King of Chaos, his mum must be rolling her eyes
From Britannia rules the waves to an Island nation with no navy in less than 50 years.
Damned pathetic cowards.
They’ll be sending 12 Zodiac speed boats filled with Jihadi’s and scimitars .
Lord Nelson is rolling over…
Nelson is turning over in his grave.
Maybe they don’t know how to adapt existing systems. Every calf born must have a registered birth certificate. What happens if the calf owner claims its a Mooslim calf?
The UK have more admirals than they do ships.
Imagine how many diversity coxswains they have.
I would suggest the UK start looking for their ships at the bottom of the North Sea, Bottom of the English channel and the bottom of the North Atlantic.
They might also want to look at the bottom of the South Atlantic for a few ships, the destroyer HMS Sheffield(D80), the landing ship HMS Sir Galahad (L3005) and the logistics ship HMS Ardent. The hulls might still be salvageable from 1982.
Healey reminds me of James Crapper as DNI. A fool receiving a salary.
OMG!, they’ve got Sgt. Schultz acting out the role of British Defense Secretary!!
https://youtube.com/shorts/bPv8MCyyUbw
Come on everyone, rest easy, this one has 104 guns, gotta be more than most on the high seas.
HMS Victory
HMS Victory is currently a showship (museum ship) in dry dock at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, as she has not been seaworthy since 1925.