COMMITMENTS AND CAPABILITIES: THE ROYAL NAVY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The size of the British Royal Navy (RN) has decreased significantly over the last century. Recent policy documents have outlined plans for new warship construction as well as an increase in maritime strategic commitments, raising the question of whether the RN’s means are sufficient to achieve the government’s desired ends. This work compares the current and future capabilities of the Royal Navy against Britain’s renewed global ambitions, to determine if the new policy is over-ambitious. It also identifies possible pitfalls that the RN may encounter as it reorients itself over the next decade. The three main findings can be summarized as follows: (1) the RN can meet its current and future commitments if the stated force structure plans are followed; (2) there is significant strategic risk associated with failure to follow-through on these plans, and finally (3) close cooperation with Britain’s allies (both in NATO and globally) will continue to be an important supporting element of RN policy. This thesis recommends expanding new frigate construction following completion of the current contracts, ensuring renewed naval diplomacy produces meaningful benefits to offset its political and economic costs, and continuing the RN’s strong track record of close integration with allies worldwide.