Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Rejected
NATO nuclear mission certification expected to be more costly
Conclusion
The Department explained that it is starting to understand the practical requirements of becoming certified for the NATO nuclear mission. The Department needs to meet standards for handling, loading and using nuclear weapons. These standards are set by the United States since it provides the weapons, and the Department is learning from other nations that have been, or are becoming, certified. The Department told us that certification covers ground crew, pilots, infrastructure and the aircraft itself. It expects that there will be a requirement for additional training and potentially for additional personnel as well, although it does not expect to need significant additional infrastructure.65 We believe it is a reasonable assumption that this may end up proving more expensive. 60 C&AG’s Report, paras 2, 6 61 Q 117 62 Q 91 63 Q 92 64 Q 97 65 Q 96 16
Government Response Summary
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation, but offers a briefing at Secret level following the Defence Investment Plan publication.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation 6.2 Costs and timescales associated with the UK's Dual Capable Aircraft nuclear mission are classified Secret. Subject to the necessary clearances and following the Defence Investment Plan publication, a briefing to the Committee at Secret can be arranged to offer more detail on the departmental approach to the NATO nuclear mission.