I would suggest that a minimum of 2 ASW frigates involved at a time would be better, with one patrolling around Greenland and the other between the UK and Iceland.
With the new Type 26 frigates coming online, this is a real value the RN can offer... and if Canada were to be added into the framework, their River-class variant would be a great compliment, and could allow for an increase in the surface ship ASW patrol presence.
In addition to the Russian and Chinese military and civilian vessels mentioned in the article, a big threat in that area is going to be submarines. Given the lack of an anti-submarine aircraft in a US carrier wing, carriers aren't going to be the primary instruments in the defense of that gap, even with the use of helicopters.
You (the UK) are building a far superior ASW frigate to the frigate (grey-hulled cutter, really) that the US is building. You also have geography on your side... as the UK in G-I-UK gap you are right there, on the scene, so your shore based ASW aircraft are in the best possible position to respond.
You actually have a lot to offer the US in this situation.
Solid concept.
I would suggest that a minimum of 2 ASW frigates involved at a time would be better, with one patrolling around Greenland and the other between the UK and Iceland.
With the new Type 26 frigates coming online, this is a real value the RN can offer... and if Canada were to be added into the framework, their River-class variant would be a great compliment, and could allow for an increase in the surface ship ASW patrol presence.
I see no advantage for the U.S. to not pursue it alone, what added value can the U.K. provide apart from "sitting there and be pretty?"
With the Type 26 frigates coming in line, you can add the value of a real anti-submarine frigate to the mix.
That's real value.
In addition to the Russian and Chinese military and civilian vessels mentioned in the article, a big threat in that area is going to be submarines. Given the lack of an anti-submarine aircraft in a US carrier wing, carriers aren't going to be the primary instruments in the defense of that gap, even with the use of helicopters.
You (the UK) are building a far superior ASW frigate to the frigate (grey-hulled cutter, really) that the US is building. You also have geography on your side... as the UK in G-I-UK gap you are right there, on the scene, so your shore based ASW aircraft are in the best possible position to respond.
You actually have a lot to offer the US in this situation.