And they are a maritime nation, at that...
A maritime nation that doesn't have a single operational attack submarine available & only a single missile sub out as there as their strategic deterrent, and no surface ships available to sail either.
A few years ago they were also a maritime nation that didn't have a maritime patrol aircraft. (Allied planes & crews provided their maritime patrol capability for a while, including Canada)
They made a point of sailing their shiny new carrier all over Asia recently, as part of a task group demonstrating that "Britain is back!"
And yet...here they are.
...
I realize that Israel & the US didn't include the UK in their planning, but there's enough going on in tne world at the moment to bring the RN's readiness level higher than 2 available River class...