Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
The Department assured us that Carrier Strike remains a vital component of the 9 Qq...
Conclusion
The Department assured us that Carrier Strike remains a vital component of the 9 Qq 13, 15 10 C&AG’s Report para 1.12 11 Qq 13–14 12 Q 14 13 Q 6 14 Q 49 15 Q 49 16 Qq 50–51 17 Q 76 18 Q 77 19 Qq 6, 58, 75 10 Delivering carrier strike UK’s military capability and power, and that it is working hard to ensure that its plans are fully understood in No10, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury.20 However, it explained that any changes to the role and use of Carrier Strike, including the extent of co-operation with allies, will affect the supporting capabilities that it needs and the future size of the Royal Navy’s fleet.21 Carrier Strike’s first operational deployment in 2021 is with the US Marine Corps, when it will endeavour to learn from their longer experience of deploying this type of aircraft on carriers.22 The Department told us that developing the ability to work with allies was vital in deterring aggression around the world. However, it assured us it was committed to building Carrier Strike’s capabilities so that it could operate as a sovereign capability able to deploy up to 24 UK Lightning II jets by December 2023, and that it would maintain and develop those capabilities well into the 2050s.23 Developing an understanding of future costs
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6. 1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2021 6.2 The department will address the capabilities required to support the carriers as part of the Integrated Review, reporting in the first quarter of 2021. Although taut and requiring mitigation in 2022 when RFA Fort Victoria undergoes maintenance, the support shipping needed to keep the carriers supplied with fuel, munitions and stores is in place for the period up until Full Operating Capability for Carrier Strike in 2023. To allow declaration of the wider Full Operating Capability for Carrier Enabled Power Projection from 2026, and the associated routine operating model, the Fleet Solid Support requirements have been informed by operating experience and a new competition will be launched in the first quarter of 2021. Building on the success of the Type 31 Programme, the department intends to allow international partners to work with UK firms to bid for this British-led shipbuilding project.