Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 54
54
Accepted
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence...
Recommendation
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence Select Committee, the UK Government should provide an update on the current status of the military shipbuilding pipeline for Scottish naval yards. In particular, it should confirm whether the MOD still intends to order the Type 32 frigates as set out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, and whether the timeline for the Type 32s has changed as a result of concerns about the affordability of the initial plans. The MOD should also set out whether the cancellation of the National Flagship has created a gap in the pipeline, and if so how this gap will be filled. 86 Q129 87 Q133 88 Q87 89 The Times, Fears for Scots shipbuilding as prime minister prepares to scrap £2.5bn frigate order, 15 January 2023 24 Defence in Scotland: military shipbuilding Type 26 frigate contract
Government Response Summary
The government confirms the Royal Navy intends to procure more frigates and destroyers, states the T32 program is in the concept phase, and the suspension of the National Flagship has not created a gap in the pipeline as the MROS ships are being brought forward.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
It is absolutely the intention of the Royal Navy to have more frigates and destroyers. The T32 programme is currently in concept phase, after which the procurement strategy will be decided. In addition to this, you will be aware of the Type 31 (T31) Frigates under construction at Rosyth. This contract was awarded to Babcock after a genuinely competitive process, which will see all five ships delivered by the end of 2028 at an average production cost of £250 million each. The suspension of the National Flagship has not created a gap in the pipeline. The decision was made to stop the programme in order to bring forward the Multi Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ships. Evolving threats demand that the MOD bring forward MROS ships that are critical to our underwater capabilities, including ensuring we have a capability to protect our undersea cables. It is right that Defence puts its focus on delivering capabilities which safeguard our national infrastructure.