The Royal Navy is dangerously weak, risking the "silent principles" of the UK's national security unless the future fleet is restored and adequately sized, according to a new article in the latest Journal of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). The article claims that Britain needs at least 10 more frigates, and that ships in the current fleet were nearing the end of their useful life.

• Royal United Services Institute: RUSI Journal article highlights major gap in current strategic security debate
• Reuters: Navy needs more and cheaper ships
• Daily Mail: Royal Navy cuts 'could leave us at the mercy of pirates'
• Daily Telegraph: Royal Navy underfunding has left it 'inadequate' for vital tasks, report finds
• BBC: Royal Navy 'dangerously weak', says RUSI
• Michael White, Guardian Comment: New era, same old defence cuts