HMS Vanguard, a British nuclear-armed submarine, returned after a record 204 days underwater, highlighting operational strains as patrols now exceed the intended three months. With the aging submarine fleet requiring more maintenance, crews face extended deployments and dwindling supplies, leading to deeply concerning situations aboard. This difficulty in maintaining adequate crew sustenance coincides with the British armed forces grappling with reduced personnel and declining morale amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly from Russia. A forthcoming Strategic Defence Review aims to address these issues, though doubts linger about its viability in reversing military decline.
A submariner described how hungry crew members rummaged for food, even making bread from custard powder, highlighting the dire conditions aboard long patrols.
The aging fleet of Britain's submarines requires more maintenance time, resulting in excessive patrol lengths that surpass the supposed three-month limit.
Britain's armed forces are depleted, with dwindling troop numbers and poor morale, raising concerns about the military's capability amidst increasing geopolitical threats.
As the government prepares for a Strategic Defence Review, questions arise over its potential effectiveness in responding to Russia's growing influence across Europe.
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