Recommendations & Conclusions
15 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 in hypersonic weapons, are changing the conduct of naval warfare and grey zone operations are becoming increasingly important for the UK’s security in the maritime domain, as they are in others.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged that its assessment aligns with the committee's, detailing how the Integrated Review has invested in the Royal Navy, including 'sub-threshold' capabilities like enhancing Royal Marines and developing a counter-hypersonic capability for the Future Air Defence system.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
2
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 threshold of warfare. As a result, the Navy must be able to deliver constabulary and presence operations for peace time maritime security, while still able to perform high-end warfighting functions effectively, including upholding NATO taskings and other international agreements.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government confirms the RN is already delivering the Integrated Review's commitment to persistent global engagement and warfighting capabilities, citing ongoing OPV deployments, regular CSG operations, and planned procurements like F-35B and Type 26 frigates.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
4
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 increase in funding necessary to deliver it.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government stated that the international security situation and Defence's capability requirements are set out in public documents, with Ministers engaging public forums, acknowledging that some intelligence cannot be shared. It highlighted the MOD's £24 billion spending review settlement and the Royal Navy's increasing budget …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
7
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 offensive air capability after any improvements to its armaments. It should be set out in advance of the aircraft carriers’ next deployment in a published strategy, with a classified annex if necessary.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government provided a detailed explanation of Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP), outlining its role in delivering sovereign strike capability, crisis response, and future innovation via HMS PRINCE OF WALES' 2022 program and the Expeditionary Strike Force concept. It also detailed how the F-35's offensive …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
8
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 operate the F-35 fleet before then. It must specifically address the questions of how many carriers and F-35s will be operated by the Navy and the RAF as part of routine operations and how a surge capacity will be delivered if one is planned. The Department should also be clear about what role uncrewed aircraft will play and when and how that role can be delivered. Until the Department provides clarity on all these points it is impossible for them or us to be reasonably sure of the risks the programme is carrying and how they can be mitigated.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government provides clarity on F-35 operations, detailing that one carrier will be a 'Strike Carrier' deploying annually, with 12 F-35Bs in 2022 increasing to 24 by 2025, and confirms assessment work for surge capacity and plans for a funded tactical Uncrewed Air System for …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
9
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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. …
Read more
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. The Department must deliver the funding to swiftly end the spectacle of space on highly capable vessels being used to carry nothing but air. This should include consideration of both the threats and the opportunities posed by hypersonic missiles as well as the potential to use common missile silos across classes and to deliver compatibility with different international partners. The Department should confirm in its response that it still intends the FC/ASW to be compatible with the Mark 41 vertical launch system. The Department should also be mindful of previous warnings that procuring a ‘bridging’ system with long post-2030 life expectancy could damage the relationship with France. (Paragraph 73) 74 “We’re going to need a bigger Navy”
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government commits to addressing hypersonic threats through upgrades and future procurement, confirms the FC/ASW will be compatible with the Mk 41 vertical launch system, and states the RN is exploring fitting Mk 41 launchers to other ship classes for commonality.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
11
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 resourced to continue amphibious operations. The Department must confirm that it remains committed to retaining the Royal Marines’ amphibious capabilities.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government confirmed its commitment to maintaining and modernising amphibious capabilities, citing a £278 million allocation, plans for up to six new MRSS vessels by the early 2030s, and exploration of new landing craft.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
14
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 in which we will integrate in the systems of allies. The Department must do more at the political level to ensure the Navy can rely on this support when needed, including arranging regular exercises with other navies, and engaging the expanded defence liaison network promised by the DCP. The Department must be clear how far it intends to privilege interchangeability with the US over interoperability with other partners and what the trade-offs involved are. It must also be honest about the realistic limits on its ability to act alone. (Paragraph 105) “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” 75
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government explains interchangeability with the US will build upon wider interoperability, outlining specific efforts like AUKUS, increasing the F-35B fleet to 48 by 2025, and fostering deep relationships with various navies and the expanding liaison network to ensure support and clarity.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
16
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 of Fleet Solid Support shipping. If action is not taken to address this within the next year, we will begin to request updates on progress twice a year. The Department should explore whether there is an option of upgrading the Type 45 destroyer to deliver ballistic missile defence and what the costs and timelines involved are and provide us with updates on the exploratory work.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states improving ship and submarine availability is a top priority with ongoing projects and confirms Type 45 availability will improve from 2023 with PIP completion. It also states the IR funded SVE Capability 1 for BMD and an Assessment Phase for SVE Capability …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
17
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 in the availability of Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers. The availability of these vessels will be particularly important in the next decade to ensure the Navy’s ambitious plans for the fleet can be delivered without capability gaps. However, availability issues are unlikely to improve significantly, and could potentially deteriorate further, until new frigates are introduced, and the Type 45 Power Improvement Project (PIP) is complete. It is only prudent for the Navy, when it is setting strategic and operational goals over the period, to take a more realistically pessimistic view of UK capabilities than is currently the case.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges improving vessel availability is a high priority, detailing ongoing initiatives like the PIP and EIP to enhance Type 45 availability from 2023, and affirming the Frigate Transition Plan is being optimized.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
19
Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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” …
Read more
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” ships is available for operations at any time. The PIP that is intended to improve this situation is scheduled for completion in 2028 but there are indications that timelines may be slipping. We find it extraordinary that the Navy is prepared to wait seven years to fully repair these £1 billion destroyers, which are arguably the most powerful units in the surface fleet after the aircraft carriers.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges concerns about Type 45 availability and propulsion issues, detailing ongoing EIP work that has reduced power loss events, and confirming the PIP is progressing, with lessons being learned from HMS DAUNTLESS's conversion.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
23
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 created through its own planning and procurement decisions. We welcome indications that these programmes are currently on target. However, past performance is not encouraging, and numerous risks have been identified. The security of the fleet and the UK rely on these projects being delivered on time. Given the challenges associated with the age of the vessels, like the provision of spare parts, we are far from confident that any delays can be effectively managed by extending the life of ageing vessels without additional risk.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government responded that current plans and risk management for Type 26 and Type 31 delivery are robust, with experienced teams, and are projected to avoid capability gaps when replacing Type 23 Frigates on schedule.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
26
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 in UK delivery. In its response to this report, the Department should confirm how it will restrict the 78 “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” competition to a national build without further delaying the procurement process. It should also confirm whether the programme will follow the other recommendations in Sir John Parker’s review, notably pace, grip and designing for export. As the Navy’s only current solid support ship is scheduled to retire in 2028, the new vessels must be delivered as quickly as possible to ensure the Navy can deliver the sovereign core capability it aims for.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government stated that the final contract for Fleet Solid Support ships will be awarded to a UK business, with all three ships integrated in UK shipyards, and the 'warship' designation exempts the program from international competition. It also confirmed that the competition evaluation prioritizes …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
28
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 consider taking a distributed lethality approach to future fleet and vessel design, learning from the US Navy’s development of the concept.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states the RN has been working with the US Navy to learn from their experience in distributed maritime operations, and has begun experimentation with mission modules as part of its concept for distributed lethality.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
29
Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to need a b…
Accepted
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 …
Read more
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 that the Navy look carefully at the possibility of emulating other navies’ successes with heavily armed light frigates/corvettes, and consider delivering a similar vessel that will be fitted with an effective missile capability from the start. This should be included in any consideration of using common missile silos across vessel classes. (Paragraph 199) “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” 79 Comparison of national fleets Table 5: Comparison of UK, Allies and Adversaries’ Fleets United United States France Rest of NATO China Russia India Japan Kingdom Submarines Strategic Nuclear Powered 4 14 4 0 6 11 1 0 Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) Ballistic Missile 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Submarine (SSB) Tactical Nuclear Powered 0 51 0 0 0 8 0 0 Attack Submarine with dedicated launch tubes for Guided Missiles (SSGN) Nuclear Power 6 3 4 0 6 10 1 0 Attack Submarine (SSN) Attack Submarine 0 0 0 58 46 20 14 22 (SSK) 80 “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” United United States France Rest of NATO China Russia India Japan Kingdom Principal Aircraft Carriers Nuclear Powered 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 Surface Aircraft Carrier Combatants (CVN) Aircraft Carrier 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 4 (CV/CVH) VSTOL Aircraft 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 Carrier (CVS) Cruisers 0 24 0 0 3 4 0 3 Destroyers 6 68 2 19 36 11 10 38 Frigates 12 21 18 90 46 16 17 6 Patrol Corvettes 0 0 6 23 72 42 8 0 Combatants Patrol Ships 8 0 4 56 87 3 10 0 Amphibious Principal Amphibious 0 7 3 4 1 0 0 3 Vessels Amphibious Ships Assault Ship (LHD) Assault Landing 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ship (LHA) Landing Platform 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Helicopter (LPH) Landing Platform 5 22 0 4 7 0 1 0 Dock/Landing Ship Dock (LPD/LSD) “We’re going to need a big
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the committee's observations and confirms it is seeking to increase the number of ships fitted with Mk 41 launchers (including Type 31 and potential retrofits), and that Type 32 frigate concept phases will examine common launchers, addressing the recommendation for effective missile …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence