Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 9
9
It is clear that the budget priorities of successive governments have delivered a fleet of...
Conclusion
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”
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 announced in the IR), will specifically seek to address the potential threat that ‘hypersonics’ pose, as well as harness any opportunities to procure offensive hypersonic weaponry, should it be advantageous to do so. Whichever maritime missile system is acquired through the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme, it will be compatible with the Mark 41 (Mk 41) vertical launch system, specifically given the intent for these weapons to be fitted to the Type 26 Frigate. The RN is exploring opportunities to fit Mk 41 launchers to other classes of ships, including Type 31, to provide commonality with partner nations, improve interoperability and simplify the inventory of maritime offensive and defensive capabilities. Discussions on the procurement of any interim Surface to Surface Guided Weapon capability before the introduction of FC/ASW will be given all necessary scrutiny which will cover the positives and potential risks of all procurement solutions.