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機密
-2-
8.
Although the 1975 decision to use patrol craft rather than frigates was motivated primarily by cost, experience in the last 2 years has shown the patrol craft option to have few operational disadvantages. Those that have become apparent relate more to the craft characteristics, e.g. speed, rather than their size. Furthermore, a frigate and 3 patrol craft would at times result in a much lower availability than a patrol craft force of 5 vessels. In an area where a major component of the peace time task is acting in support of the RHKP this is a most important consideration.
9.
follows:
10.
The cost of the patrol craft option is as
Capital costs
Annual running costs 1. 84 Patrol Craft Base
Total
€ 28. 00 m.
2. 32
£4. 64 m.
A through life comprising over 20
years
shows the mixed squadron to be over 40% more expensive than the alternative single tier force.
CONFIDENTIAL #
機密