Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Paragraph: 92
The underwater domain will become an ever more important part of naval warfare in the...
Conclusion
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 that it will not decrease the number of attack submarines in the fleet below the seven Astute class submarines it plans to operate. The Department must also consider whether the SSNR submarine design will include a horizontal launch missile system in line with current UK submarines, or a vertical launch system for systems such as Tomahawk, in line with some of the more modern US Navy submarines. The Department should confirm in its response how it will ensure that current UK attack submarines retain their land attack missile capability, given the US Navy’s transition to vertical launch systems.
Paragraph Reference:
92
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 in an early design phase and no conclusion has been reached on class size, weapon system fit or wider capabilities. We are liaising with allies and partners as part of this process.