# France consults European allies on covering North Atlantic naval gaps

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/fresh-embarrassment-for-britain-as-european-nations-discuss-defending-the-atlantic-without-the-royal-navy-due-to-dire-state-of-the-fleet/
- Published: 2026-11-02T15:18:25+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T15:32:35+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16259077/Britain-European-nations-defending-Atlantic-without-Royal-Navy.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Europe, UK, World

## Key points

- European allies are discussing how to cover North Atlantic patrol gaps.
- Britain has had to rely on Germany for a NATO maritime task group.
- Proposed spending rises are set out, but funding details remain pending.

## Summary

France has reportedly held talks with Italy, Spain and the Netherlands on how to cover North Atlantic defence gaps amid concern that the Royal Navy lacks available warships. The discussions matter because European allies are weighing how to meet maritime responsibilities as Russia becomes more belligerent and Britain struggles to provide ships for NATO commitments.

The article says Britain recently asked Germany to provide a frigate for a NATO task group after sending HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean, while Dragon took three weeks to reach the region following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. The Government says defence spending will rise to 2.7 per cent of GDP by 2027 and 3 per cent by 2030, but details of the funding are due in a future spending review. Reports also suggest work on Type 26 and Type 31 frigates could be accelerated.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.