Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Paragraph: 128
The low availability of the UK’s Type 45 destroyers and recognised issues in their propulsion...
Conclusion
The low availability of the UK’s Type 45 destroyers and recognised issues in their propulsion systems are a major cause for concern. The destroyers cannot do their job or effectively deter adversaries if only half, and sometimes only one, of the six 76 “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” ships is available for operations at any time. The PIP that is intended to improve this situation is scheduled for completion in 2028 but there are indications that timelines may be slipping. We find it extraordinary that the Navy is prepared to wait seven years to fully repair these £1 billion destroyers, which are arguably the most powerful units in the surface fleet after the aircraft carriers.
Paragraph Reference:
128
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
. Response: Type 45 Destroyers continue to contribute to the defence of the UK and support our international partners. HMS DEFENDER and HMS DIAMOND have recently returned from operational deployment with the CSG. The MOD has two key strands of work to address and improve reliability and resilience of Type 45 Destroyers. Measures to enhance system reliability are being delivered through an EIP. Platform availability and reliability measures show that there has been a circa 80 percent reduction in the occurrence of Type 45 loss of power events across the class since 2010. EIP, now over 72 percent complete across the six Type 45 Destroyers, has been a key contributing factor to this improvement and is delivering positive results by increasing time on task across the class. HMS DEFENDER had the highest availability of any unit in the CSG Task Group – a prime example of the positive impact of EIP. The second strand of work is the Type 45 PIP which will improve system resilience through the installation of an upgraded power and propulsion system. HMS DAUNTLESS is currently in the test and commissioning phase of her first of class PIP conversion, having completed the installation of all major new systems. This has been a complex engineering project and delivering it against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant challenge which has tested industry and impacted the schedule. We will learn from the HMS DAUNTLESS’ PIP conversion to ensure that the conversion of subsequent ships is conducted as efficiently as possible. This has been a significant focus of activity.