Defence chief says scrapping warships has created 'ridiculous situation'

Britain's defence chief has raised concerns over the shortage of warships and the impact this has on operations in the wake of cutbacks which saw Devonport-based frigates scrapped.

General Sir David Richards has warned the lack of ships had led to the 'ridiculous' situation where the Navy was forced to use its most advanced vessels for basic tasks such as tackling Somali pirates in small dhows armed with rocket propelled grenades.

This had to be sorted out he said.

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