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I think it is reasonable to suggest that should we have another war (let us hope and pray we do not!) within the next ten years: Exocet missiles will be of longer range with greater speed and accuracy; aircraft will be faster and bombing techniques will be more deadly; nuclear devices may be exploded above or near their targets and other weapons we do not yet know about may be available. How would our existent surface craft be able to face up to such conditions, because they have changed very little from the viewpoint of their own vulnerability? (i.e. they present a good target on a radar screen and they move about relatively slowly 25 knots?) The conclusion one cannot help reaching is that they could be completely destroyed in a short while by such modern weapons. It would seem that in a future war the naval weapons will be various types of missiles (anti- air, ship or submarine, as appropriate). The platform for these missiles would be high speed aircraft to avoid counter-measures being taken. The role of the surface craft would be as a platform for such aircraft and they would need to keep as far distant from sources of attack as possible because of their vulnerability. Therefore the design of our surface craft should surely be revised to carry out the role of platforms (small or large) for Harriers and helicopters? The weapon systems they carry should be of the defensive variety only, as their aircraft would be used for attacking. Finally, the design and construction of such vessels should be revised in order to cope with at least one bomb or missile striking it. Perhaps new materials such as re-inforced concrete should be utilised instead of steel, to provide the required strength? Compartmentalised interiors for ships would also add to their structural strength, whilst reducing the internal blast effect of exploding bombs and missiles. I would have also thought it essential for surface craft to be able to flood some compartments in order to submerge, in the event of possible nuclear explosions or major attack. (The same compartments to be pumped out to enable the vessel to re-surface when required. In summary, we seem to have entered a completely new era of naval warfare, so let us make sure we are ahead of the game'; not only with our submarines, Harriers, helicopters and missiles, but also with our surface vessels whose vulnerability has been clearly demonstrated.
I am sorry if this is rather too long. With best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Saller.