Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 26
26
The Department told us that, consequentially, it would have to think through how 51 Qq...
Conclusion
The Department told us that, consequentially, it would have to think through how 51 Qq 30–31, 35–37 52 Qq 17–18, 50, 78–79; C&AG’s Report, paras. 1.6–1.7 53 Qq 56–57; C&AG’s Report, para. 2.16 54 Q 56; C&AG’s Report, para. 2.17 Delivering carrier strike 15 much spares and stores it must preload onto the carriers before they are deployed. It would also need to manage the consumption rates of stock and spares, depending on the environment the ship was operating in. Where necessary, it might also need to seek support from allies. The Department admitted that having only RFA Fort Victoria would inevitably constrain carrier operations, and that it had known about this issue since 2011, when the delivery of the new fleet solid support ships had first been delayed.
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.