WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE ROYAL NAVY TODAY?

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ROYAL NAVY

• Principal naval warfare branch
• Founded early 16th century
• Oldest armed service branch
• Known as the senior service
• Until late 20th century was the most powerful navy

History Continued

• Maintains a fleet of 96 ships
• 2 Aircraft carriers, 3 assault ships, 4 ssbn subs, 7 ssn subs
• 6 guided missile detsroyers, 13 frigates, 15 mcm vessels
• 24 patrol vessels, 13 Rfa ships plus 3 merchant  navy ships
• 66 water craft assigned to the Royal Marines

current role

• Protect British interests at home and abroad 
• Execute foreign and defence policies of HM UK Govt 
• Maintain UK naval contribution to NATO 

CORE CAPABILITIES

• Maintain UK Nuclear force and provide 2 task groups
• Provide UK Commando force and air assets to JHC
• Maintain current patrols and mine counter measures
• Provide hydrographic and meteorological services
• Protect Britain and EU's economic zone

Nuclear weapons!

YES!

• Always one Submarine of 4 on patrol
• Increased risk from newly nuclear armed states
• Security of the nation worth the 6% of defence budget
• Successors to cost the same once in service
• Increased risk to EU/UK from new long range missiles

NO!

• Cost £100bln for a new system, £6.6mil per day
• £100bln could go to housing, health care & education
• More low/high skilled jobs for a fraction of the cost
• £100bln same as 1yr's Hm Govt budget deficit
• 150,000 nurses, 1.5mil homes, 4mil student fees.

ANY QUESTIONS?

SOURCES

• My own knowledge
• Article by PM D Cameron in The Daily telegraph
• Report by Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament