Third Report - “We’re going to need a bigger Navy”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.