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If the MoD are ducking out of the 15-year deal - and it is difficult to see how they are not - then surely they will have to offer something in return to the new shipbuilding organisation (I've forgotten its new name) and that can only be some more T45s in the shape of 07 and 08, which anyway don't yet seem quite dead. The question is would more follow. Could they squeak out a 09 and even a 10?
But I still think the other interesting option is a through-life PFI deal on OPVHs - not necessarily Clyde lookalikes. Have a look at this, if you haven't seen it already, I've nicked it from Richard's site (god bless 'im). It's VT's proposal for C3 and is of very recent vintage:


"VT C3 Concept (2007)
In September 2007 VT Shipbuilding, part of VT Group, announced a design concept tailored to the C3 element of the FSC programme - a general purpose vessels for worldwide deployment to fulfil tasks including minehunting, survey work and patrol duties. It suggested that the first of class could enter service as early as 2012, although this seems very unlikely

VT has utilised the hull of the Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV) that it is building for the Royal Navy of Oman to develop the FSC solution, although the ship has a larger equipment fit that increases displacement to just over 3,000 tonnes.

VT's C3 design would have speeds in the region of 25 knots and would be diesel-powered, while there would be accommodation for up to 76. The ships would be built in steel but with provision for FRP composite in areas such as the masts.

The ships would essentially be compartmentalised by having the assets of a patrol vessel forward, while aft the ship would be equipped for its MCM and/or survey role. In its patrol role, armament would include guns of 76mm or 30mm calibre and provision for surface-to-air missiles if required.

MCM resources would provide a task force with front-line minehunting capability rather than having to wait for slower dedicated minehunting assets to arrive as present.

The design would include the option for a flight deck to accommodate a helicopter up to Merlin size and a weather protected working deck which would accommodate four 11 metre rigid inflatables or unmanned surface vessels. These could be deployed either by ship's crane or via a stern ramp that would include an integral launch and recovery system. Space is also available for two 20 ft ISO containers to carry additional MCM or survey assets. Additional assets may be transported on the flight deck and deployed by the ship's crane at the expense of the capacity to simultaneously carry out helicopter operations.

VT has offered the financing and support model employed for the RN's River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, i.e. VT would own the FSC vessels and charter them to the Ministry of Defence. VT Export Sales Director Sym Taylor explained: "In this case, it makes more economic sense for the customer to contract for the lease of these ships over ten years, as opposed to five years for the Rivers. However, the principle would remain the same with the customer saving capital expenditure by paying for use on the basis of VT guaranteeing and delivering the required capability.

VT suggests that further savings would be made by using existing equipment technology and introducing commonality across the whole of the FSC class in elements such as engines, other key machinery and command systems. This would also enable maximum efficiencies to be derived from training and maintenance."

Anthony is down as the last poster but I don't see it - but I did read it last night about the Commander in charge of the frigate development group talking to Warship International.
I can only say, how many FSC programmes have there been; how many inaugural meetings? I think that if there is a Commander in charge then that says it all, it's a token gesture and going no where. At least S2C2 had a Commodore as boss. I have no doubt that he is enthusiastic about the job he is doing - playing official fantasy fleets - but I doubt that it will impinge on reality any time soon. Doesn't mean to say that it won't be superseded by a large solution programme, though, but not while the MoD is cash-strapped - and looking ahead over the coming decade, it's difficult to see when it won't be. IMHO