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
23 Recommendations
6 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
4 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 10 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
26 Oct
2021
Correspondence
21 Sep
2021
Oral evidence
29 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
8 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
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) · Royal Navy 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 Accepted
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
The government acknowledged that its assessment aligns with the committee's, detailing how the Integrated Review has invested in the Royal Navy, including 'sub-threshold' capabilities like enhancing Royal Marines and developing a counter-hypersonic capability for the Future Air Defence system.
Ministry of Defence
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2 Conclusion Accepted
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
The government confirms the RN is already delivering the Integrated Review's commitment to persistent global engagement and warfighting capabilities, citing ongoing OPV deployments, regular CSG operations, and planned procurements like F-35B and Type 26 frigates.
Ministry of Defence
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3 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government outlines commitments to procure new Type 31, Type 32, Type 26, FSS, and Multi-Role Support Ships, stating this will increase overall vessel numbers by 2030, addressing the need for fleet growth, particularly with adaptable vessels, though not explicitly committing to the committee's scale of increase or new funding.
Ministry of Defence
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4 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government stated that the international security situation and Defence's capability requirements are set out in public documents, with Ministers engaging public forums, acknowledging that some intelligence cannot be shared. It highlighted the MOD's £24 billion spending review settlement and the Royal Navy's increasing budget to address future security challenges.
Ministry of Defence
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5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government stated it intends to deploy a Carrier Strike Group annually, but clarified that each deployment will be bespoke in terms of objectives, composition, and allied involvement. It did not explicitly address the request for public transparency on the overall costs of the Indo-Pacific tilt.
Ministry of Defence
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6 Conclusion Acknowledged
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 government's response directly mirrored the committee's conclusion, acknowledging the Royal Navy's achievements and position as a leading global navy, without adding further comment.
Ministry of Defence
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7 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government provided a detailed explanation of Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP), outlining its role in delivering sovereign strike capability, crisis response, and future innovation via HMS PRINCE OF WALES' 2022 program and the Expeditionary Strike Force concept. It also detailed how the F-35's offensive air capability will be enhanced by SPEAR Capability 3 for air-to-ground precision weapons, with potential for a future SPEAR Cap 5 program.
Ministry of Defence
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8 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government provides clarity on F-35 operations, detailing that one carrier will be a 'Strike Carrier' deploying annually, with 12 F-35Bs in 2022 increasing to 24 by 2025, and confirms assessment work for surge capacity and plans for a funded tactical Uncrewed Air System for frigates.
Ministry of Defence
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9 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government commits to addressing hypersonic threats through upgrades and future procurement, confirms the FC/ASW will be compatible with the Mk 41 vertical launch system, and states the RN is exploring fitting Mk 41 launchers to other ship classes for commonality.
Ministry of Defence
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10 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government reassured the Committee that the Naval Strike Network will be fully compliant with Defence’s digital backbone, but stated that the Royal Navy is still exploring opportunities to fully fund this capability.
Ministry of Defence
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11 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government confirmed its commitment to maintaining and modernising amphibious capabilities, citing a £278 million allocation, plans for up to six new MRSS vessels by the early 2030s, and exploration of new landing craft.
Ministry of Defence
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12 Recommendation Deferred
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
The government acknowledged the advice but stated that the SSN(R) programme is in an early design phase, and no conclusions have yet been reached on class size, weapon systems, or wider capabilities, deferring action on the recommendations.
Ministry of Defence
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
The government highlights a past £9 billion investment and efficient resource allocation, along with experimenting with crewing models, but does not commit to increasing the Navy's resource budget to beat inflation or accommodate new aircraft carrier costs as recommended.
Ministry of Defence
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14 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government explains interchangeability with the US will build upon wider interoperability, outlining specific efforts like AUKUS, increasing the F-35B fleet to 48 by 2025, and fostering deep relationships with various navies and the expanding liaison network to ensure support and clarity.
Ministry of Defence
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15 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government states it has a mature strategy for the Pacific, detailing existing deployments and collaboration efforts, but explicitly confirms the UK ceased participation in Operation ATALANTA in March 2019 due to a lack of legal basis.
Ministry of Defence
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16 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government states improving ship and submarine availability is a top priority with ongoing projects and confirms Type 45 availability will improve from 2023 with PIP completion. It also states the IR funded SVE Capability 1 for BMD and an Assessment Phase for SVE Capability 2 is underway, aiming for a maritime BMD capability by the late 2020s.
Ministry of Defence
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17 Conclusion Accepted
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
The government acknowledges improving vessel availability is a high priority, detailing ongoing initiatives like the PIP and EIP to enhance Type 45 availability from 2023, and affirming the Frigate Transition Plan is being optimized.
Ministry of Defence
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18 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government committed to providing a single annual update to the Defence Committee on Surface Fleet availability and shipbuilding plans, but did not explicitly confirm the separate annual written statement to Parliament or all the specific details requested for the classified report.
Ministry of Defence
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19 Conclusion Accepted
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
The government acknowledges concerns about Type 45 availability and propulsion issues, detailing ongoing EIP work that has reduced power loss events, and confirming the PIP is progressing, with lessons being learned from HMS DAUNTLESS's conversion.
Ministry of Defence
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20 Recommendation Acknowledged
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
The government affirmed timely delivery of PIP is a priority and identified Director General Ships as having ultimate responsibility, but did not explicitly confirm an investigation into speeding up the programme or commit to specific annual reports from an appointed SRO to the Committee.
Ministry of Defence
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21 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to provide annual briefings on submarine availability, citing UK policy not to comment on such matters for security reasons, but confirms the Dreadnought programme remains on track.
Ministry of Defence
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22 Conclusion Acknowledged
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
The government acknowledges the risks to the Royal Navy fleet, stating that significant upgrades are funded, risks are being actively managed, and options for future offensive weapons and medical support are being explored or brought into service.
Ministry of Defence
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23 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government responded that current plans and risk management for Type 26 and Type 31 delivery are robust, with experienced teams, and are projected to avoid capability gaps when replacing Type 23 Frigates on schedule.
Ministry of Defence
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24 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The department will provide a single annual update to the Defence Committee, which will include Surface Fleet availability and shipbuilding plans, but does not explicitly commit to the 30-year plan, individual SRO reports, or public evidence sessions requested.
Ministry of Defence
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25 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government committed to addressing the skills aspect of the National Shipbuilding Strategy refresh by conducting an assessment of current requirements and outlining how various bodies will collaborate to deliver necessary skills, but did not address the other five specific recommendations.
Ministry of Defence
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26 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government stated that the final contract for Fleet Solid Support ships will be awarded to a UK business, with all three ships integrated in UK shipyards, and the 'warship' designation exempts the program from international competition. It also confirmed that the competition evaluation prioritizes early delivery to meet the RFA FORT VICTORIA's out-of-service date.
Ministry of Defence
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27 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government outlined how DE&S and NavyX address technological development and digital system integration through open architectures and application-based software, committing to their use in future vessel designs. It also stated the Royal Navy would specifically review funding allocated for research, development, and engineering as part of its annual budget cycle.
Ministry of Defence
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28 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government states the RN has been working with the US Navy to learn from their experience in distributed maritime operations, and has begun experimentation with mission modules as part of its concept for distributed lethality.
Ministry of Defence
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29 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government welcomes the committee's observations and confirms it is seeking to increase the number of ships fitted with Mk 41 launchers (including Type 31 and potential retrofits), and that Type 32 frigate concept phases will examine common launchers, addressing the recommendation for effective missile capabilities and common silos.
Ministry of Defence
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Government Response AI assessment · 29 of 23 classified
Accepted 15
Accepted in Part 8
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 1
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 1
Total 23 recs + 6 conclusions
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