France organized the talks over Britain's shrinking fleet and severe shortage of operational warships and nuclear attack submarines and its inability to fulfill its mission. How bad is it? HMS Prince of Wales has only one British escort and relies on a Norwegian frigate for anti-submarine defence. The carrier currently operates only 6 F-35B aircraft. HMS Queen Elizabeth is at sea without an operational carrier strike group. European allies are even discussing supplying frigates to help protect Britain's nuclear deterrent submarines.

France organized the talks over Britain's shrinking fleet and severe shortage of operational warships and nuclear attack submarines and its inability to fulfill its mission. How bad is it? HMS Prince of Wales has only one British escort and relies on a Norwegian frigate for anti-submarine defence. The carrier currently operates only 6 F-35B aircraft. HMS Queen Elizabeth is at sea without an operational carrier strike group. European allies are even discussing supplying frigates to help protect Britain's nuclear deterrent submarines.