Britain's Royal Navy lacks sufficient submarines and warships to counter Russian threats in the Arctic region, MPs on the defence select committee have warned.
The committee cited three specific operational shortfalls as evidence. HMS Dragon's slow deployment to Cyprus this spring took longer than expected. The number of frigates in service has declined. All five Astute-class attack submarines were simultaneously in dock for maintenance during summer, leaving none available for operations.
These gaps create a deterrence problem. The MPs said Britain risks failing to prevent future Russian aggression in the high north, the Arctic waters and territories north of UK territory. The committee did not provide specific details about Russian activities that prompted the warning, but framed the issue as a matter of future readiness rather than an immediate crisis.
The committee's statement implies the Navy's availability problems stem from resource constraints rather than strategic choice. A submarine in dock cannot patrol; a frigate not built or maintained cannot deploy. The committee called for "dramatic progress" by the end of the decade to close these gaps.
The Guardian reported the warning but did not include response or comment from the Ministry of Defence or Royal Navy leadership.