The Navy: purpose and procurement

Defence Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 23 Apr 2021 Closed: 6 Dec 2022 Parliament page
This inquiry will examine what role the Navy should expect to play over the next 20 years and whether naval procurement and support plans are delivering the capabilities required. The inquiry will assess the threats and standing commitments the Navy is likely to face, as well as specific issues in … Read more
3 Recommendations
26 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
4 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 14 events
5 Jul
2022
Correspondence
29 Jun
2022
Correspondence
25 Feb
2022
Report published
11 Jan
2022
Correspondence
14 Dec
2021
Report published
2 Nov
2021
Oral evidence
2 Nov
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
26 Oct
2021
Correspondence
21 Sep
2021
Oral evidence
21 Sep
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
29 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
29 Jun
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
2 Nov 2021
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Admiral Tony Radakin · Ministry of Defence Jeremy Quin MP · Ministry of Defence Vice Admiral Chris Gardner · Ministry of Defence
21 Sep 2021
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Panel 1
Christopher Pyne, Former Australian Minister of Defence Professor Tetsuo Kotani · Meikai University
29 Jun 2021
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Panel 1; Panel 2
David Lockwood CBE · Babcock International Group Glynn Phillips · BAE Systems Ian Waddell · The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU) Sam McBriar · Thales UK Sir John Parker GBE FREng
8 Jun 2021
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Panel 1
Admiral Sir Philip Jones, First Sea Lord (2016-2019) Professor Jonathan Caverley · US Naval War College
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third Report - “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” HC 168 14 Dec 2021 29 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
29 results
1 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
Over the next decade the UK and the Navy will face an increasingly complex international...
Over the next decade the UK and the Navy will face an increasingly complex international security environment. Russia and China will remain the primary adversaries at sea, with the relative importance of the UK’s response to each likely to shift … Read more
Government Response
Response: The Committee’s report aligns with the Government’s assessment of the complex security environment. In the maritime environment, this is being driven by the confluence of assertive state actors, who … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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2 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Government has ambitious plans for the Royal Navy.
The Government has ambitious plans for the Royal Navy. The Integrated Review has given the Navy a significantly increased, and potentially the leading, role in the UK’s security posture. It is likely to be the Government’s tool of choice to … Read more
Government Response
Response: The IR made a clear commitment to evolve from a force that is primarily designed for the contingency of a major conflict and warfighting, to one that is also … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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3 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Navy cannot fulfil the full ambition of the Integrated Review with its current fleet.
The Navy cannot fulfil the full ambition of the Integrated Review with its current fleet. It needs more lower-end, adaptable vessels, like the planned Type 31 frigate, to fulfil the presence operations planned. A large part of the Government’s plan … Read more
Government Response
Response: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is confident it can realise the ambitious plans outlined in the IR. For the RN, central to this is the commitment to procure up … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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4 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Ministry of Defence should be honest with the public about the deteriorating international security...
The Ministry of Defence should be honest with the public about the deteriorating international security situation, the capabilities the Navy will need to protect Britain in this environment, and the funding required to deliver those capabilities. We believe that if … Read more
Government Response
Response: The evolving threat picture was at the heart of the IR. The international security situation and Defence’s capability requirements as a result of it are, accordingly, set out in … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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5 Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Indo-Pacific tilt is a significant change in the UK’s defence posture which will increase...
The Indo-Pacific tilt is a significant change in the UK’s defence posture which will increase the demand and risk placed on finite resources. We will consider the value and effectiveness of the overall tilt policy and greater engagement in the … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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6 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Royal Navy should be proud of its position as one of the leading global...
The Royal Navy should be proud of its position as one of the leading global navies and its ability to deliver and operate two aircraft carriers. The carrier strike group deployment has shown that, when working with allies, the Navy … Read more
Government Response
The Royal Navy should be proud of its position as one of the leading global navies and its ability to deliver and operate two aircraft carriers. The carrier strike group … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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7 Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Department should provide further explanation of what Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) is intended...
The Department should provide further explanation of what Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) is intended to deliver. This should include consideration of what innovative capabilities the carriers can provide beyond carrier strike, littoral manoeuvre and humanitarian assistance, and more information … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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8 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
In light of the Department’s own target that the UK’s CEPP capability will reach Full...
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. … Read more
Government Response
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 … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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9 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
It is clear that the budget priorities of successive governments have delivered a fleet of...
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 … Read more
Government Response
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 … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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10 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The delivery of digital and data integration like the Naval Strike Network will be absolutely...
The delivery of digital and data integration like the Naval Strike Network will be absolutely crucial if the fleet is to be operated effectively. The Department must ensure that the Naval Strike Network is fully funded and compatible with Defence’s … Read more
Government Response
Response: The RN is exploring opportunities to fund this important enabler. The Department can reassure the Committee that capabilities such as Naval Strike Network (NSN) will be fully compliant with … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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11 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
Evidence continues to show that sacrificing the Royal Navy’s amphibious capability would be, in the...
Evidence continues to show that sacrificing the Royal Navy’s amphibious capability would be, in the words of our predecessor Committee, “a short-sighted, militarily illiterate manoeuvre totally at odds with strategic reality.” Against this background we are concerned that the Future … Read more
Government Response
Response: The Department remains committed to maintaining and modernising the UK’s amphibious capabilities. The IR allocated £278 million over the next ten years to transform our Commando Forces that deliver … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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12 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The underwater domain will become an ever more important part of naval warfare in the...
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). … Read more
Government Response
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 … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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13 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
We are very concerned that the limited resource budget allocated under the Spending Review for...
We are very concerned that the limited resource budget allocated under the Spending Review for the remainder of this Parliament will be insufficient to properly operate and maintain the full fleet. We were not convinced by the Department’s assertion that … Read more
Government Response
Response: The IR invested an additional £9 billion in the Maritime domain; £6.1 billion into Navy Command and the remaining £2.9 billion in the DNO and the Complex Weapons pipeline. … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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14 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Navy plans to rely on allies to provide capabilities in almost all military operations...
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. … Read more
Government Response
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 … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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15 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
Building interoperability with nations in the Indo-Pacific will be vital for delivering any tilt to...
Building interoperability with nations in the Indo-Pacific will be vital for delivering any tilt to the region. This must include coordinating with European partners and working to rebuild the military relationship with France. The Navy must continue to regularly exercise … Read more
Government Response
Response: The MOD has a mature strategy for the Pacific and long track record of working effectively with regional allies and partners. The strength of these ties was demonstrated and … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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16 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
We support the Navy’s plans to retain a sovereign core capability but are concerned that...
We support the Navy’s plans to retain a sovereign core capability but are concerned that it cannot currently deliver all the elements required to defend and support the task group. As a result, the Department must take early action on … Read more
Government Response
. Response: One of the Secretary of State’s top priorities for the First Sea Lord (1SL) is continuing to improve the availability of ships and submarines. Numerous projects are underway … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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17 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
We welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on improving vessel availability as it is crucial...
We welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on improving vessel availability as it is crucial for the effective operation of the fleet. We recognise that the Navy has already taken measures to address it but are concerned that any improvements … Read more
Government Response
Response: Improving availability is one of the RN’s highest priorities. Initiatives are in train to improve the availability of surface ships and submarines. These projects aim to reduce the length … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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18 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
Reporting of availability must improve to avoid concealing issues with the availability of specific classes...
Reporting of availability must improve to avoid concealing issues with the availability of specific classes of vessel. The Ministry of Defence should report annually to Parliament in a written statement on the availability of all surface vessels in the Royal … Read more
Government Response
Response: The department will provide a single annual update to the Defence Committee which will include an update on Surface Fleet availability and shipbuilding plans.
Ministry of Defence
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19 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The low availability of the UK’s Type 45 destroyers and recognised issues in their propulsion...
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 … Read more
Government Response
. 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 … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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20 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Ministry of Defence should investigate claims that each PIP upgrade could be delivered in...
The Ministry of Defence should investigate claims that each PIP upgrade could be delivered in less than twelve months and confirm in its response what if any barriers there are to speeding up the programme. The response should also confirm … Read more
Government Response
. Response: Timely delivery of PIP is one of the RN’s highest priorities. Delivering PIP conversions while ensuring sufficient platforms remain available to support operational requirements necessitates careful management by … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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21 Recommendation
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Astute class represent arguably the best attack submarine in the world, but they cannot...
The Astute class represent arguably the best attack submarine in the world, but they cannot effectively deter anyone until they are actually in service; therefore we cannot afford any further delay in the delivery of the remaining Astute boats. We … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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22 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The next decade is one of significant risk for the Royal Navy’s fleet.
The next decade is one of significant risk for the Royal Navy’s fleet. During a period when it is being expected to take on increased responsibilities in a deteriorating international security environment, the Navy will be relying on a mix … Read more
Government Response
Response: The Integrated Review committed to funding significant upgrades to the RN. This includes investment in new ships and capabilities, and the retiring of those that are approaching obsolescence. Risks … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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23 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
Towards the end of this decade the Navy intends to bring in several completely new...
Towards the end of this decade the Navy intends to bring in several completely new classes of vessels simultaneously. These plans must be delivered on schedule if the “We’re going to need a bigger Navy” 77 Navy is to avoid … Read more
Government Response
Response: The MOD has a clear plan and approach to future ship procurement. The Type 26 and Type 31 Class of ships will be brought into service to replace the … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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24 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
Proper scrutiny is essential to ensure programmes are delivered on time.
Proper scrutiny is essential to ensure programmes are delivered on time. In order to allow for proper scrutiny of ongoing programmes, the Ministry of Defence should emulate the US Department of Defense and provide Parliament with an annual shipbuilding plan, … Read more
Government Response
Response: The department will provide a single annual update to the Defence Committee which will include an update on Surface Fleet availability and shipbuilding plans.
Ministry of Defence
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25 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The National Shipbuilding Strategy refresh must finally take on board the consistent recommendations given in...
The National Shipbuilding Strategy refresh must finally take on board the consistent recommendations given in successive reports by a range of experts. This includes providing a steady pipeline of work for British shipyards and working collaboratively with industry. The refresh … Read more
Government Response
As the Committee notes, skills are a key enabler of success for the shipbuilding enterprise, and this is recognised by Government. The NSbS Refresh will set out how Government, the … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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26 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
We are not reassured by the Department’s evasiveness around whether the Fleet Solid Support ships...
We are not reassured by the Department’s evasiveness around whether the Fleet Solid Support ships will be built in the UK. The Department must ensure the Fleet Solid Support ship contract is built in a UK yard, reflecting its designation … Read more
Government Response
Response: The Department has been clear on the UK requirements for FSS and the competitive approach, which uses the successful Type 31 route of allowing both UK and International participation. … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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27 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
We welcome the Department’s ambition to bring new technology into the fleet and the opportunities...
We welcome the Department’s ambition to bring new technology into the fleet and the opportunities that the large number of planned vessels offer. It provides an early test of the new Integrated Operating Concept. It is essential that NavyX and … Read more
Government Response
Response: DE&S has established the Future Capabilities Group to work with industry to explore and de-risk new capabilities and improve our approach to procurement. NavyX is an experimentation and innovation … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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28 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Navy is moving towards principles of modularity, autonomy and lethality in vessel design.
The Navy is moving towards principles of modularity, autonomy and lethality in vessel design. Modularity is likely to increase vessels’ capabilities and the potential roles they can play. In the future vessels may perform their roles supported by autonomous vessels … Read more
Government Response
Response: The RN has been working alongside the US Navy to learn from its experience as it invests in crewed and uncrewed vessels and platform types that can conduct power … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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29 Conclusion
Third Report - “We’re going to nee…
The Type 32 frigate programme presents an opportunity to start thinking about how to design...
The Type 32 frigate programme presents an opportunity to start thinking about how to design vessels for the future. We support the Navy’s proposal for a programme that delivers a less exquisite vessel and increases hull numbers for presence operations … Read more
Government Response
Response: The Department welcomes the Committee’s observations and recognises the opportunities inherent with the use of common missile silos, launchers and weapon systems across multiple vessel classes of varying sizes. … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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Correspondence 4 letters
5 Jul 2022 Letter, dated 28 June 2022, from the Chair to MinDP, in response to MinDP’s letter of 13 June regarding the Royal Navy
Parliament page
29 Jun 2022 Letter, dated 13 June 2022, from the Minister for Defence Procurement to the Chair, providing responses to questions from the Committee on the Royal Navy
Parliament page
11 Jan 2022 Letter dated 20th December from the Secretary of State for Defence to Chair providing an update on timescales regarding National the National Shipbuilding Strategy
Parliament page
26 Oct 2021 Letter dated 24th June from Intermarine UK to the Chair on Brexit, Immigration, Pre-Settled / Frontier Worker Status in support of Strategically Important Shipbuild Projects
Parliament page