Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 60
The Department should provide further explanation of what Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) is intended...
Recommendation
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.
Paragraph Reference:
60
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
. 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 for Her Majesty’s Government, enable Special Forces and support UK prosperity through Defence Engagement. CSG21 has demonstrated the potency of what CEPP can deliver. Having operated with other F-35 nations, both within NATO and with Japan, we have learnt more about how these 5th Generation aircraft can best be employed and how we can operate our task group in the future. HMS PRINCE OF WALES’ programme for 2022 will provide opportunities for innovation and to develop Carrier Strike further. It includes experimentation to generate greater UK/US interchangeability and accelerate the development of uncrewed systems. We also plan to exercise the Expeditionary Strike Force concept in 2022, combining a carrier with an LRG to explore how Carrier and Littoral Strike can support each other. The CSG is already capable of conducting Humanitarian Support Operations and Non- Combatant Evacuation. The Department is also focused on developing the CSG as a NATO asset, enhancing its interoperability with other allied navies. HMS PRINCE OF WALES will act as the Afloat Command Platform for NATO as part of her NATO Response Force 2022 (NRF22) duties. F-35 will be enhanced by the increased lethality provided by Select Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) Capability 3. SPEAR Cap 3 will be able to destroy/defeat mobile, re- locatable and fixed targets in all weathers—day and night. Whilst F-35 is already well served with Air-to-Air weapons, SPEAR Cap 3 will bring improved Air-to-Ground stand- off precision weapons. Beyond SPEAR Cap 3, a long-range stand-off capability to further enhance the F-35 could be achieved through a funded SPEAR Cap 5 programme.