Warships fleet cut in half to save cash

Oct 5 2008

NAVY chiefs have been forced to mothball nearly half their fleet of destroyers to save money.

Experts warn the lack of air defence-equipped destroyers leaves the rest of the Navy at serious risk.

Richard Stoot, Editor of Jane's Navy International magazine, said: "The Navy is taking risk on risk. We have lost a third of the fleet in the last 10 years."

Britain's naval fleet now have just five air defence warships to protect carriers and convoys.

There are 22 destroyers and frigates despite a Government vow there would be at least 25.

The Navy's woes have worsened as 4000 of its personnel were sent to Afghanistan.

Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said: "We face increasing demands to intercept drugs, arms, people smuggling and pirates, as well as conduct operations in Afghanistan and Iraq."