Britain’s Royal Navy is facing mounting problems at a time when Russia continues to strengthen its naval forces, political commentator Bethany Elliott wrote in an article for UnHerd.

The current state of the Royal Navy offers Britain little reason for satisfaction, according to Elliott. Among the most pressing issues are its serving destroyers, which are gradually becoming outdated and will need to be replaced.

Those replacements, however, remain years away. Elliott noted that hybrid vessels designed, among other tasks, to control autonomous systems are not expected to enter British naval service before the early 2030s.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to expand the capabilities of its navy despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the commentator said.

Britain’s difficulties have already affected its ability to meet international commitments. Elliott recalled that in March, the UK had to borrow a warship from Germany in order to fulfill its obligations to NATO.

First Sea Lord General Gwyn Jenkins has also acknowledged problems facing the British naval forces. He said the Royal Navy could remain insufficiently prepared for a possible war until the next decade.

Russia has repeatedly pointed in recent years to what it describes as unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders. The alliance has been expanding related initiatives, explaining them as necessary to deter what it calls Russian aggression.

Moscow, for its part, has repeatedly voiced concern over NATO’s growing military presence in Europe. The Kremlin has stressed that Russia does not pose a threat to other countries, while making clear that it intends to respond to actions that could endanger its interests.