The need for corvettes: a case study

In terms of sheer numbers, as of January 2025, the front-line of the RN’s surface fleet (I’ll exclude the carriers) is now at rock bottom with eight Type 23 frigates in commission, six Type 45 destroyers and five OPVs (hereafter called corvettes). Of the Type 23s, Kent is in long refit, Sutherland has still not commenced sea trials, post-refit (reasons undisclosed) and Lancaster is in the Persian Gulf. There are reports that, upon returning to the UK later this year, Lancaster may decommission. However, at present, there are six operational Type 23s. With regard to the Type 45 destroyers, two…