Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Paragraph: 65
In light of the Department’s own target that the UK’s CEPP capability will reach Full...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
65
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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 operations, the Department plans to regularly deploy CSGs, with location and scale (including a decision on the total of F-35Bs embarked) matched to operational priorities and effects, as determined by the Department’s existing plans, commitments, and operational prioritisation process. Using the CEPP routine operating model as a guide, the Defence ambition is to hold a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier permanently at readiness, deploying annually on operations, with F-35Bs being made available for those deployments depending on scale, duration, their force growth and concurrent Defence demand. In 2022, the number of UK F-35Bs available for embarked operations to support routine deployments is a squadron of up to 12 jets. This number will increase by FOC for F-35 (scheduled for 2025) to put up to 24 jets on board; assessment work continues on what potential for surge capacity would be available after this date, recognising any such surge would affect training pipelines. The Department is presently considering options to purchase a further tranche of F-35Bs to increase Carrier Strike capacity and readiness. To augment the F-35B’s strike capability and to complement, and potentially replace, some of the roles delivered by its crewed helicopters, the RN is exploring options for a range of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). It is intended that the funded programme will also deliver a flexible, tactical UAS for frigates deploying to the Middle East. This will augment the ship’s helicopter and provide Commanders with persistent surveillance.