The UK Royal Navy needs cheaper, more-adaptable vessels, rather than expensive, specialised ones to expand its aging fleet, according to a defence thinktank.

The Ministry of Defence will aim to provide capability more cheaply for its future military requirements, according to Reuters.

Defence Ministry officials said the ministry would scrap a £5.2bn ($8bn) order for two new aircraft carriers to provide cash for smaller vessels.

The UK currently has over 70 warships, including 24 frigates and destroyers, and would require at least ten more frigates, according to the Royal United Services Institute.

The ministry’s long-term aim includes the manufacture of modular, less specialised and cheaper ships to boost exports.

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