The UK continues to delude itself that it has the resources and equipment to be a great military power. It's a fantasy.
In 2009, the UK's #MOD told the #DefenceSelectCommittee that it could sustain readiness of at least 4 #Type45 #destroyers and usually 5, despite cutting the class from 12 ships to 6. The Committee was very doubtful.
In March 2026, #HMSDragon was the only Type45 available for service in Cyprus in the #IranWar.
The UK's military fantasies are out of date.
@2legged This is a social media post screenshot from the "British & Commonwealth Forces" account. It includes a circular profile icon, the text "British & Commonwealth Forces added a photo to the album: ROYAL", and a "6d" timestamp. The post's body text states verbatim: "Half of the Royal Navy’s 6 Destroyers may soon be available for deployment… The Royal Navy has six Type 45 destroyers in total. As of March 3, 2026, three of them (HMS Daring, HMS Defender, and HMS Diamond) are undergoing refit or deep maintenance, primarily involving the Power Improvement Project (PIP) and other upgrades. The remaining three (HMS Dauntless, HMS Dragon, and HMS Duncan) are considered available, though some may be in short-term maintenance or alongside but capable of deploying at short notice. HMS Dragon is currently in dry dock but expected to leave for the Eastern Mediterranean sometime soon. HMS Duncan is currently in Portsmouth. HMS Dauntless is in Portsmouth in maintenance and may be available soon."
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A photograph of a Type 45 destroyer sailing on the ocean, creating a wake as it moves through the water. The ship is gray with a red dragon emblem on its bow and features various naval structures and equipment. Overlaid text reads verbatim: "Availability of UK's six Type 45 destroyers", "2009 promise: at least 4", and "2026 reality: 1". The background shows an open sea under a cloudy sky. The text is displayed in bold, black font across the image.
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Claire McNab
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