Destroyers couldn't afford missiles

There seems to be a lot of cost cutting in the navy these days. When we get new aircraft carriers we will have to share them with France because we can’t afford our own.

Today I find out that HMS Exeter and HMS Southampton have been working without their Sea Dart guided missile system since Christmas so that the MOD can save a bit of cash.

The missiles, used to protect the destroyers and larger aircraft carriers against air attack, have been stored away even though HMS Exeter has sailed to the Mediterranean twice and joined a NATO-led operation in that time.

If these destroyers were ever attacked they would find it more difficult to defend themselves as their Sea Dart guided missile system is their primary defence.