The Aporia
Rogan, T. (2026, November 3). Can Europe stop Russian submarines from exploiting broken UK navy? Washington Examiner. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4788893/can-europe-stop-russia-exploiting-uk-navy/
Rogan, Tom. “Can Europe stop Russian submarines from exploiting broken UK navy?” Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4788893/can-europe-stop-russia-exploiting-uk-navy/.
Rogan, Tom. “Can Europe stop Russian submarines from exploiting broken UK navy?” Washington Examiner, November 3, 2026. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4788893/can-europe-stop-russia-exploiting-uk-navy/.
Dated from the outlet's own feed. Check the original for its byline.
As of November 3, 2026, European nations such as France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands are reportedly discussing ways to defend the North Atlantic without relying on the Royal Navy due to concerns about its current state. This development follows a year in which Britain faced significant embarrassment over the readiness of its naval fleet, highlighted by incidents like HMS Dragon taking three weeks to reach the eastern Mediterranean after an attack at RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus. British defense ministers are under intense pressure to boost funding and expedite ship construction. Tory shadow defence minister Ben Obese-Jecty criticized the situation, stating it is "absolutely damning" that European allies can no longer rely on Britain's naval presence.
But not so today — at least not by U.K. politicians.