Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
UK's asset projection from Scottish bases vital for North Atlantic defence strategy.
Conclusion
The UK’s ability to project assets into the North Atlantic and High North if required must be maintained, as this is key to both the UK and NATO’s defence strategy. Currently this capability is based primarily at HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth. NATO views the continued presence of a nuclear deterrent as essential to its defence policy, and Scottish bases are important to the deployment and protection of that deterrent. (Paragraph 87) Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North 43
Government Response Summary
The government is committed to maintaining its ability to project assets, investing in new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates, spending over £3 billion on Scottish defence sites including £1.6 billion on HMNB Clyde, and £470 million on RAF Lossiemouth infrastructure.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK is committed to our ability to project assets into the North Atlantic and High North. 1 The Joint Helicopter Command will be called the Joint Aviation Command from 1 December 2023. 10 Government Response: Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North This remains an important part of UK national defence and NATO regional plans. The Royal Navy has the capability to project force using a variety of assets in the High North, dependent on the location, season, and threat, including Littoral capabilities. We are investing in a new generation of Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates and support shipping, enabling us to project UK force into the High North, and ensuring our freedom to operate in the North Atlantic. Additionally, the UK will maintain an ability to operate under the Arctic ice. Defence Infrastructure Organisation also plans to spend more than £3 billion on sites in Scotland, including £1.6 billion on the Clyde Infrastructure Programme, establishing HMNB Clyde as the home of the UK’s submarine fleet. As one of the largest employers in Scotland, HMNB Clyde is increasing the number of people employed on-site from 6,800 to 8,200 as the base transitions to the Single Integrated Operating Base and home of the Submarine Service. We also continue to invest in RAF Lossiemouth. The RAF are investing £470 million to upgrade the infrastructure at RAF Lossiemouth to support the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Strategic Facility; the new Boeing e-7A Wedgetail fleet will provide skilled maintenance jobs, and expansion of facilities supporting the Poseidon P8 fleet continues to provide skilled employment to the local community.