National Power Projection

[imperialman]

As for the French having a larger blue water navy?

For the purposes of this, I won't include littoral vessels like patrol ships or corvettes.

The Marine National is primarily centered around the Bâtiments de combat, containing two force structures, the Forces sous-marines (Submarine force) and the Force d'Action Navale (Naval action force). It operates 1 aircraft carrier, 3 helicopter carriers, 1 landing platform dock, 4 air defence frigates, 8 anti-submarine frigates, 6 fleet submarines (SSNs) and 4 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The logistics available to them consist of four mid-sized replenishment ships and oilers. Being able to maintain a fleet far from friendly shores is a significant factor of being a blue water navy.

The Royal Navy operates 6 air defence destroyers, 13 frigates, 4 ballistic missile submarines and 7 fleet submarines. In addition the Navy possesses an aircraft carrier, a helicopter carrier and 5 landing platform docks. The logistic support available to the Royal Navy consists of 8 oilers and replenishment ships and 1 forward repair ship.

 

[Ajidica]

I would question whether Russia should be on there. The invasion of South Ossetia in 2008 demonstrated how poor Russia's power projection capabilities were.

 

[GoodSarmatian]

Well, I assuming that when you compare power projection of states, you don't count support of allies because it's the power projection capacity of other state not their own.

In that case you're seriously overestimating the USA.
Power projection always relies on allied support even if that support is limited to 'we'll let you refuel your ships here'.

 

[imperialman]

Britain, especially with the addition of two Queen Elizabeth class carriers will certainly have a power projection ability second only to the US.

 

[Crezth]

As for the French having a larger blue water navy?

For the purposes of this, I won't include littoral vessels like patrol ships or corvettes.

<all quite clever and all but snip'd nonetheless>

Ah, I admit that was just something I had heard but never bothered to follow up on. I concede the point about the navy.

 

[imperialman]

So who would win today?

France or the UK?

What's the scenario?

 

[Mr. Dictator]

What's the scenario?

Alternate reality where countries often try and beat each other into submission for gits and shiggles.

 

[Ayn Rand]

Depends what you mean by power projection. Saudi Arabia has massive power projection capabilities by some standards, as do Israel and China. Then there are regional power projectors such as South Africa which can control their neighbour's destinies.

 

[imperialman]

Depends what you mean by power projection. Saudi Arabia has massive power projection capabilities by some standards, as do Israel and China. Then there are regional power projectors such as South Africa which can control their neighbour's destinies.

Essentially, the ability to send military forces anywhere in the world and support them.

 

[Quackers]

How quickly could the US get 500 soldiers, say, to the other side of the world?

 

[Ajidica]

It depends. Are they Soldiers or CIA Advisors?

 

[Mr. Dictator]

How quickly could the US get 500 soldiers, say, to the other side of the world?

Trick question. They're already there.

 

[Quackers]

Ahh of course all the vaarious American bases everywhere in the world. Thats cheating!

Lets say how quickly could you get a battalion of troops from mainland USA to Saudi?

 

[Ajidica]

Lets say how quickly could you get a battalion of troops from mainland USA to Saudi?

Under a month. We could have naval and air superiority within a week.

 

[Ayn Rand]

Ahh of course all the vaarious American bases everywhere in the world. Thats cheating!

Lets say how quickly could you get a battalion of troops from mainland USA to Saudi?

For such a small force, less than 24 hours as the US Rangers are equipped for that.

Edit: Or do you mean "any given batallion"?

 

[Flying Pig]

Depends what you mean by power projection. Saudi Arabia has massive power projection capabilities by some standards, as do Israel and China. Then there are regional power projectors such as South Africa which can control their neighbour's destinies.

Good one. Saudi Arabia spectacularly failed to project power into Kuwait (think the UK failing to invade Eire) and took a decidedly back-seat role in the Desert Storm operations.

 

[imperialman]

The Royal Navy will be getting two of these in the coming decade (2016 and 2018), they'll increase British power projection by a huge margin.

 

[GoodSarmatian]

An if you can't afford the upkeep any more you can sell them to Germany .

 

[Ayn Rand]

Good one. Saudi Arabia spectacularly failed to project power into Kuwait (think the UK failing to invade Eire) and took a decidedly back-seat role in the Desert Storm operations.

Arguably it's a very successful case of power projection when the World's strongest armies are at your beck and call

 

[imperialman]

An if you can't afford the upkeep any more you can sell them to Germany .

Don't think you could man them or fund them from your defence budget.