I can see from reading your post 'mike2000', that we think alike, and both of us are dismayed at the way our politicians have handled the British Defence equipment program in recent times.
The American Navy is in a bit of a mess as well, due to bad political decisions. The LCS is a total dog of a warship, even the US Navy calls it the 'Little Crappy Ship'.
I know the Indians are building up their Navy as well, but they don't appear to be making a good job of it, and i have no interest in the Indian Navy.
The only country i admire, at the present is the Chinese for their remarkable rapid rise in the development of their Navy, and the technological achievements they have made.
Plus, they are making a lot of warships each year,and the fact that their defence programs are kept secret, it makes it more exciting to navy enthusiasts worldwide, when we see a new warship class.
2016 is going to be a big year, i think for the Chinese Navy, and the ship i'am looking forward most to seeing is 'the beast', i.e the Type 055 Destroyer/Cruiser.