I still hope they took into consideration that a big down size like that makes Argentina think they are weak and to make another move on the Falklands.
I'd hate to see the Earth's past largest, efficient, and respectfully feared Royal Navy become unable to defend it's interests abroad.
its not a massive downsizing really and most cuts are in sensible places. eg. we currently have 2 full armoured divisions in germany - 25,000+ personnel, 15ish full battalions of armour and infantry, 250 Challengers, 150 AS90s etc etc. since we dont expect to see hundreds of russian tanks rolling across eastern europe it doesnt make alot of sense having that kind of deployment. big cuts at the ministry too, which has become very bloated over the years.
in terms of force projection my only slight concern is the reduction of our frigate fleet, although its the 4 older type 22s we will lose (they are already on extended service) and the new type 26s are on the way to replace them. my feeling is that our frigate fleet pays for itself through trade agreements anyway, gunboat economics
as for argentina, the force they would face these days in the falklands would be way deadlier than in the 80s. just one type 45 destroyer and the resident typhoons could make falklands airspace inpenetrable, a couple of SSNs would prevent anything on the surface getting close.
edit: of course it will be alot cheaper if we dont trash our new toys before they go into active service
