Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 14
14
The Navy plans to rely on allies to provide capabilities in almost all military operations...
Conclusion
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
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Response: Interchangeability builds upon interoperability, by forging ever closer integration with our closest allies to ensure our enduring operational effectiveness. This will not come at the cost of wider interoperability with our other allies and partners. The RN’s deep and broad spread of enduring relationships (including NATO, Five Eyes allies, and the Joint Expeditionary Force and Combined Joint Expeditionary Force) will remain a key strength. As the foremost European navy in NATO, we must be increasingly interchangeable with the US Navy while increasing NATO interoperability. We will achieve this by providing a framework, through which our allies can interoperate effectively. The RN maintains a sovereign core of key capabilities to ensure freedom of action, the Alliance enhances these, adds diversity of thought and provides opportunities for tactical development which is a visible sign of solidarity against common threats. As the centrepiece of our warfighting offer, Carrier Strike is being developed as an interoperable NATO asset - as demonstrated by providing HMS PRINCE OF WALES as a NATO Command and Control platform as part of her NATO Response Force 2022 role. The cohering power of Carrier Strike was also demonstrated in the recent CSG21 deployment (Op FORTIS) which operated with integrated Dutch and US allies, including embarked US F-35B. Interchangeability with the US will be further reinforced in 2022, using HMS PRINCE OF WALES as a platform for uncrewed systems experimentation, and by the commitment to increase the UK’s F-35B fleet to 48 by 2025. Additionally, the RN is deepening relationships in the Indo-Pacific. The recent AUKUS announcement is a clear commitment to working closely with our partners in the region, while the purchase by, and building of Type 26 Frigates in Australia (as well as Canada) is an example of designing-in interchangeability from inception. Strong relationships supported by routine engagement are also being built with the US Pacific Fleet and Royal Australian Navy, as well as a developing relationship with the US Coast Guard, whose maritime security focus nests well with the capabilities provided by the Batch 2 OPVs. Activity is prioritised to leverage existing relationships, including our Five Eyes and Five Powers Defence Agreement (FPDA) partners and to exploit our expanding liaison network of defence attachés and advisors.