Recommendations & Conclusions
29 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Over the next decade the UK and the Navy will face an increasingly complex international security environment. Russia and China will remain the primary adversaries at sea, with the relative importance of the UK’s response to each likely to shift and potentially interact through the decade. Developments in technology, particularly …
Government response. Response: The Committee’s report aligns with the Government’s assessment of the complex security environment. In the maritime environment, this is being driven by the confluence of assertive state actors, who are increasingly operating in the ‘grey zone’, and the proliferation …
Ministry of Defence
2
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Government has ambitious plans for the Royal Navy. The Integrated Review has given the Navy a significantly increased, and potentially the leading, role in the UK’s security posture. It is likely to be the Government’s tool of choice to deliver its strategy of persistent engagement and competition below the …
Government response. Response: The IR made a clear commitment to evolve from a force that is primarily designed for the contingency of a major conflict and warfighting, to one that is also designed for permanent and persistent global engagement. This commitment ensures …
Ministry of Defence
3
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Navy cannot fulfil the full ambition of the Integrated Review with its current fleet. It needs more lower-end, adaptable vessels, like the planned Type 31 frigate, to fulfil the presence operations planned. A large part of the Government’s plan to address this relies on increasing availability, as well as …
Government response. Response: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is confident it can realise the ambitious plans outlined in the IR. For the RN, central to this is the commitment to procure up to five Type 32 Frigates in addition to the ongoing …
Ministry of Defence
4
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Ministry of Defence should be honest with the public about the deteriorating international security situation, the capabilities the Navy will need to protect Britain in this environment, and the funding required to deliver those capabilities. We believe that if the public understands the Navy’s requirements, they will support the …
Government response. Response: The evolving threat picture was at the heart of the IR. The international security situation and Defence’s capability requirements as a result of it are, accordingly, set out in public documents. The Defence Command Paper outlined the changing strategic …
Ministry of Defence
5
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Indo-Pacific tilt is a significant change in the UK’s defence posture which will increase the demand and risk placed on finite resources. We will consider the value and effectiveness of the overall tilt policy and greater engagement in the region in future inquiries. Under current plans the naval assets …
Government response. Response: The IR considered the opportunity cost of not delivering greater levels of global engagement, through prosperity and security. An Eastwards shift in the global economic centre-of-gravity is widely accepted, as are the potential impacts for global security of an …
Ministry of Defence
6
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Royal Navy should be proud of its position as one of the leading global navies and its ability to deliver and operate two aircraft carriers. The carrier strike group deployment has shown that, when working with allies, the Navy can deliver a task group able to meet the goals …
Government response. The Royal Navy should be proud of its position as one of the leading global navies and its ability to deliver and operate two aircraft carriers. The carrier strike group deployment has shown that, when working with allies, the Navy …
Ministry of Defence
7
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Department should provide further explanation of what Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) is intended to deliver. This should include consideration of what innovative capabilities the carriers can provide beyond carrier strike, littoral manoeuvre and humanitarian assistance, and more information on what role the F-35 will play in delivering an …
Government response. . Response: Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) is the over-arching programme that delivers a sovereign carrier-based strike capability, which is interoperable with NATO and coalition allies. In addition to strike operations in warfighting, the capability will provide Crisis Response options …
Ministry of Defence
8
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
In light of the Department’s own target that the UK’s CEPP capability will reach Full Operating Capacity in 2026, 2025 is too long to wait to know the size of the planned F-35 fleet and how it could be used. The Department must provide clarity on how it intends to …
Government response. Both aircraft carriers can conduct independent routine operations, with one carrier designated as the ‘Strike Carrier’. Carriers are strategic assets, and their deployment plans will depend primarily on the threat as well as the UK’s foreign policy priorities. On routine …
Ministry of Defence
9
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
It is clear that the budget priorities of successive governments have delivered a fleet of porcupines (well defended herbivores). We welcome the promises from the Department that future vessels will carry the offensive missiles they need and in particular that this will restore a land attack capability to the fleet. …
Government response. Hypersonic missiles are among the most challenging air targets that the RN must be able to counter. Upgrades to existing in-service air defence systems, and procurement of future capability, such as the Future Air Defence System (the Type 83, as …
Ministry of Defence
10
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The delivery of digital and data integration like the Naval Strike Network will be absolutely crucial if the fleet is to be operated effectively. The Department must ensure that the Naval Strike Network is fully funded and compatible with Defence’s digital backbone.
Government response. Response: The RN is exploring opportunities to fund this important enabler. The Department can reassure the Committee that capabilities such as Naval Strike Network (NSN) will be fully compliant with Defence’s digital backbone and the principles of ‘Multi Domain Integration’. …
Ministry of Defence
11
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Evidence continues to show that sacrificing the Royal Navy’s amphibious capability would be, in the words of our predecessor Committee, “a short-sighted, militarily illiterate manoeuvre totally at odds with strategic reality.” Against this background we are concerned that the Future Commando Force and the Littoral Response Groups are not properly …
Government response. Response: The Department remains committed to maintaining and modernising the UK’s amphibious capabilities. The IR allocated £278 million over the next ten years to transform our Commando Forces that deliver our Littoral Strike capability. In tandem with this investment, the …
Ministry of Defence
12
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The underwater domain will become an ever more important part of naval warfare in the future. The Department should explore increasing the size of the attack submarine fleet as part of the Astute successor programme, Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR). At the very least it must confirm in its response …
Government response. Response: The Department is grateful for the advice the Committee has provided on the RN’s future attack submarine force. A Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSN(R)) programme team has been established within the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO). However, SSN(R) is currently …
Ministry of Defence
13
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
We are very concerned that the limited resource budget allocated under the Spending Review for the remainder of this Parliament will be insufficient to properly operate and maintain the full fleet. We were not convinced by the Department’s assertion that “the resource budget is adequate to ensure that we maintain …
Government response. Response: The IR invested an additional £9 billion in the Maritime domain; £6.1 billion into Navy Command and the remaining £2.9 billion in the DNO and the Complex Weapons pipeline. To maximise the value from this investment, the MOD attributes …
Ministry of Defence
14
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Navy plans to rely on allies to provide capabilities in almost all military operations and for most major missions working with allies will not be optional. Overall, this way of working is a source of strength for the Navy. However, we do need an honest assessment of the way …
Government response. Response: Interchangeability builds upon interoperability, by forging ever closer integration with our closest allies to ensure our enduring operational effectiveness. This will not come at the cost of wider interoperability with our other allies and partners. The RN’s deep and …
Ministry of Defence
15
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Building interoperability with nations in the Indo-Pacific will be vital for delivering any tilt to the region. This must include coordinating with European partners and working to rebuild the military relationship with France. The Navy must continue to regularly exercise with partners in the region after the conclusion of CSG21, …
Government response. Response: The MOD has a mature strategy for the Pacific and long track record of working effectively with regional allies and partners. The strength of these ties was demonstrated and strengthened during CSG21 (Operation FORTIS). The Defence Command Paper outlined …
Ministry of Defence
16
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
We support the Navy’s plans to retain a sovereign core capability but are concerned that it cannot currently deliver all the elements required to defend and support the task group. As a result, the Department must take early action on the availability of attack submarines and destroyers, and the lack …
Government response. . Response: One of the Secretary of State’s top priorities for the First Sea Lord (1SL) is continuing to improve the availability of ships and submarines. Numerous projects are underway to achieve this. These projects aim to reduce the length …
Ministry of Defence
17
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
We welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on improving vessel availability as it is crucial for the effective operation of the fleet. We recognise that the Navy has already taken measures to address it but are concerned that any improvements come from increased use of low-end warships, rather than improvements …
Government response. Response: Improving availability is one of the RN’s highest priorities. Initiatives are in train to improve the availability of surface ships and submarines. These projects aim to reduce the length of time that ships and submarines spend in refit and …
Ministry of Defence
18
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Reporting of availability must improve to avoid concealing issues with the availability of specific classes of vessel. The Ministry of Defence should report annually to Parliament in a written statement on the availability of all surface vessels in the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary by class. The answer to …
Government response. Response: The department will provide a single annual update to the Defence Committee which will include an update on Surface Fleet availability and shipbuilding plans.
Ministry of Defence
19
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The low availability of the UK’s Type 45 destroyers and recognised issues in their propulsion systems are a major cause for concern. The destroyers cannot do their job or effectively deter adversaries if only half, and sometimes only one, of the six 76 “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” …
Government response. . Response: Type 45 Destroyers continue to contribute to the defence of the UK and support our international partners. HMS DEFENDER and HMS DIAMOND have recently returned from operational deployment with the CSG. The MOD has two key strands of …
Ministry of Defence
20
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Ministry of Defence should investigate claims that each PIP upgrade could be delivered in less than twelve months and confirm in its response what if any barriers there are to speeding up the programme. The response should also confirm whether an SRO has been appointed for the PIP. If …
Government response. . Response: Timely delivery of PIP is one of the RN’s highest priorities. Delivering PIP conversions while ensuring sufficient platforms remain available to support operational requirements necessitates careful management by the MOD. As an In-Service Upgrade Project, ultimate responsibility for …
Ministry of Defence
21
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Astute class represent arguably the best attack submarine in the world, but they cannot effectively deter anyone until they are actually in service; therefore we cannot afford any further delay in the delivery of the remaining Astute boats. We are concerned by reports that submarine availability is weak, and …
Government response. . Response: It is UK policy that we do not comment on matters relating to submarine availability as this would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of our Armed Forces. The UK’s attack and nuclear …
Ministry of Defence
22
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The next decade is one of significant risk for the Royal Navy’s fleet. During a period when it is being expected to take on increased responsibilities in a deteriorating international security environment, the Navy will be relying on a mix of elderly vessels (like the Type 23 frigates) and new …
Government response. Response: The Integrated Review committed to funding significant upgrades to the RN. This includes investment in new ships and capabilities, and the retiring of those that are approaching obsolescence. Risks associated with this transition are being actively managed in order …
Ministry of Defence
23
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Towards the end of this decade the Navy intends to bring in several completely new classes of vessels simultaneously. These plans must be delivered on schedule if the “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” 77 Navy is to avoid capability gaps and end the period of risk it has …
Government response. Response: The MOD has a clear plan and approach to future ship procurement. The Type 26 and Type 31 Class of ships will be brought into service to replace the Type 23 Frigates in the latter half of the 2020s, …
Ministry of Defence
24
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Proper scrutiny is essential to ensure programmes are delivered on time. In order to allow for proper scrutiny of ongoing programmes, the Ministry of Defence should emulate the US Department of Defense and provide Parliament with an annual shipbuilding plan, including the number of ships planned to enter and leave …
Government response. Response: The department will provide a single annual update to the Defence Committee which will include an update on Surface Fleet availability and shipbuilding plans.
Ministry of Defence
25
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The National Shipbuilding Strategy refresh must finally take on board the consistent recommendations given in successive reports by a range of experts. This includes providing a steady pipeline of work for British shipyards and working collaboratively with industry. The refresh should: • Ensure that warships are built in UK yards …
Government response. As the Committee notes, skills are a key enabler of success for the shipbuilding enterprise, and this is recognised by Government. The NSbS Refresh will set out how Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers will work together to …
Ministry of Defence
26
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
We are not reassured by the Department’s evasiveness around whether the Fleet Solid Support ships will be built in the UK. The Department must ensure the Fleet Solid Support ship contract is built in a UK yard, reflecting its designation as a warship, whilst outlining the Department’s ambition and confidence …
Government response. Response: The Department has been clear on the UK requirements for FSS and the competitive approach, which uses the successful Type 31 route of allowing both UK and International participation. The final contract for the manufacture of the FSS ships …
Ministry of Defence
27
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
We welcome the Department’s ambition to bring new technology into the fleet and the opportunities that the large number of planned vessels offer. It provides an early test of the new Integrated Operating Concept. It is essential that NavyX and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) improve their ability to take …
Government response. Response: DE&S has established the Future Capabilities Group to work with industry to explore and de-risk new capabilities and improve our approach to procurement. NavyX is an experimentation and innovation team that contributes to DE&S and other delivery partners by …
Ministry of Defence
28
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Navy is moving towards principles of modularity, autonomy and lethality in vessel design. Modularity is likely to increase vessels’ capabilities and the potential roles they can play. In the future vessels may perform their roles supported by autonomous vessels to which they can act as motherships. The Navy should …
Government response. Response: The RN has been working alongside the US Navy to learn from its experience as it invests in crewed and uncrewed vessels and platform types that can conduct power projection and Distributed Maritime Operations. The RN is sharing lessons …
Ministry of Defence
29
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
The Type 32 frigate programme presents an opportunity to start thinking about how to design vessels for the future. We support the Navy’s proposal for a programme that delivers a less exquisite vessel and increases hull numbers for presence operations in relatively permissive environments and lower-level conflict. We strongly recommend …
Government response. Response: The Department welcomes the Committee’s observations and recognises the opportunities inherent with the use of common missile silos, launchers and weapon systems across multiple vessel classes of varying sizes. We are seeking to increase the number of ships fitted …
Ministry of Defence