- The Royal Navy has developed a new concept for maritime forces as a key enabler in joint operations alongside the Army and RAF. It is known as the Maritime Contribution to Joint Operations.
- Under this concept, maritime forces will:
- play a key role in the new Joint Rapid Reaction Forces;
- make maximum use of the Navy's inherent mobility and flexibility, together with our ability to deploy early and operate independently of shore support;
- provide an amphibious force, reinforced when required by Army tanks, armoured vehicles and attack helicopters;
- deploy joint combat air power from all three Services using fixed wing aircraft and attack and support helicopters;
- provide, support and defend the sealift vessels required to sustain operations of all kinds;
- help to deter conflict and forestall crises where possible and;
- when required, support the movement of land and air forces ashore throughout the subsequent campaign.
- We will achieve this through:
- a renewed commitment to our amphibious brigade as a highly trained and ready force, with better equipment including armoured all terrain vehicles, heavier artillery and weapon locating radar;
- a major commitment to improved amphibious shipping, including the helicopter carrier HMS OCEAN, roll-on/roll-off ships, landing ships logistic and the two landing platforms dock, HMS ALBION and HMS BULWARK;
- plans for the procurement of two larger aircraft carriers, able to operate fixed-wing aircraft and the full spectrum of defence helicopters;
- fitting all attack submarines to be able to operate the Tomahawk land attack missile;
- continued reliance on modern frigates and destroyers, whose flexibility allows a wide range of employment in operations of all kinds;
- continuing investment in mine countermeasures to enable us to undertake force projection in littoral waters;
- a shift of emphasis towards joint training with land and air force units, particularly as part of the new Joint Rapid Reaction Forces.
NUCLEAR DETERRENT
- The SDR has confirmed that in a changing and uncertain world, Britain continues to require a credible and effective minimum nuclear deterrent based on the Trident submarine force. This has provided Britain's only nuclear system since the withdrawal of the last of the RAF's free-fall nuclear bombs earlier this year, performing both the strategic and sub-strategic role.
- We will therefore continue to maintain a posture of continuous deterrent patrols with a total force of four Trident ballistic missile submarines. The last Trident submarine, VENGEANCE, will enter service as previously planned around the turn of the century.
- Our Trident force will continue to be allocated to NATO in both the strategic and sub-strategic roles. It will however remain operationally independent and available for use by the United Kingdom alone in a case of supreme national need.
- But continuing improvements in the overall international environment allow us to maintain our nuclear forces at reduced readiness and to make reductions in warhead numbers.
- The SDR has concluded that we can maintain a credible deterrent while making the following changes in our nuclear posture:
- the single Trident submarine on deterrent patrol at any time will carry 48 warheads (the same number as deployed on each Polaris submarine when they entered service);
- we will maintain a stockpile of fewer than 200 operationally available warheads;
- the submarines will routinely be at a "notice to fire" measured in days rather than the few minutes quick reaction alert that we sustained throughout the Cold War;
- submarines on patrol will carry out a variety of secondary tasks, without compromising their security, including hydrographic data collection, equipment trials and exercises with other vessels;
- we plan over time to reduce to single crews for each submarine, reflecting reduced operational tempo and reducing operating costs.
- We have also taken an initiative to increase openness about our nuclear capabilities by releasing details of our defence stocks of plutonium and highly enriched uranium.
- In parallel, the Government will press for multilateral negotiations towards mutual, balanced and verifiable reductions in nuclear weapons. British nuclear weapons will be included in such negotiations when the Government is satisfied with verified progress towards the goal of the global elimination of nuclear weapons.
FUTURE AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- In the new strategic environment, Britain increasingly needs forces which can act rapidly to prevent, manage or deal with crises globally. For these force projection operations, we require forces with wide utility across a range of military tasks and missions.
- For our forces to be effective they must get to the right place at the right time. But we cannot always be certain that they will have access to air bases on land, particularly in the early stages of a crisis.
- Successive operations in the Gulf and Bosnia have demonstrated that carriers play a key part in peace support, coercion and combat. They offer:
- a coercive presence which can contribute to conflict prevention (as demonstrated recently in the Gulf);
- a flexible and rapidly deployable base during operations where airfields are unavailable or while facilities ashore are being established;
- a range of military options in all littoral operations.
- Our three INVINCIBLE class aircraft carriers were designed for cold war anti-submarine operations and can each carry a maximum of 24 aircraft. The SDR has concluded that the main role for British carriers in future will be to deploy air power, in support of joint operations. This could be in the air defence, land attack or other roles.
- We therefore plan to replace our current aircraft carriers with two larger vessels in the second decade of the next century. Present thinking suggests that new carriers might be of the order of 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes and capable of carrying up to 50 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
- The new carriers will operate the future carrier borne aircraft. A range of aircraft options remain open to us, but we shall continue to participate in the concept demonstration phase of the US Joint Strike Fighter programme, which is a strong contender to meet the requirement.
NAVAL AVIATION
- Naval Aviation will play a key role in the new strategic environment with its inherent flexibility and wide utility across a range of operations.
- This means
- plans for new, larger aircraft carriers, and use of a new range of fixed and rotary wing aircraft for force projection operations;
- new joint organisations and commands to ensure that we make the most operationally effective use of our aircraft.
Fixed Wing Aircraft
- The SDR has endorsed the need for aircraft carriers but the three ships currently in service were designed for Cold War anti-submarine operations. This is less relevant in the new security environment. We therefore plan:
- to replace our current aircraft carriers with two larger vessels in the second decade of the next century. They will be capable of carrying more fixed-wing aircraft than the INVINCIBLE class;
- that the new carriers should operate the future carrier borne aircraft. A range of aircraft options remain open to us, but we shall continue to participate in the concept demonstration phase of the US Joint Strike Fighter programme, which is a strong contender to meet the requirement;
- these new aircraft will be operated by a joint RN/RAF force known as Joint Force 2000 (see separate fact sheet for details).
Helicopters
- The nature and scale of the submarine threat has changed since the end of the Cold War, with a corresponding change in the type of military response required. The Merlin helicopter remains a vital part of the NavyÕs future capability, but we will be able to make a reduction in overall numbers compared to earlier plans.
- This means:
- we will not procure further Merlin anti-submarine helicopters beyond the 44 already on order;
- some amendment to the previous Merlin deployment plan. For example, the Sea King Mk 6 helicopters at RNAS Prestwick will not be replaced when they go out of service at a date yet to be decided, and some Type 23 flights planned to be equipped with Merlin will now have Lynx Mk 8s;
- additional Lynx helicopters will be converted to Mk 8 standard to maintain helicopter flights on all operational destroyers and frigates.
- Anti-submarine requirements in the Clyde areas will be reviewed and, when the Sea King Mk6 goes out of service, essential tasks will be carried out by Merlins earmarked from other areas, such as training.
- The number of airborne early warning and commando helicopters are unaffected, although the latter will join with other battlefield helicopters in the Joint Helicopter Command.
Joint Forces
- The SDR has demonstrated the importance of maximising defence operational effectiveness through greater integration of Service capabilities. Two new joint organisations are particularly relevant:
- Joint Force 2000 will initially establish closer links between the Royal Navy Sea Harrier FA2 and RAF Harrier GR7 fleets in anticipation of a commonly operated future carrier based aircraft fleet. It is planned that this will replace both the Sea Harrier FA2 and Harrier GR7 after 2010.
- the Joint Helicopter Command will bring all battlefield helicopters (including Navy commando helicopters, Army attack helicopters and RAF support helicopters) under a single joint command organisation. The Command will help maximise the utility of this very busy helicopter fleet by coordinating tasking, engineering support, spares, stores and training.
COMMANDO BRIGADE AND AMPHIBIOUS SHIPPING
- Our amphibious capability is a high quality, inherently joint force which plays a key role in both national and NATO plans.
- The force is flexible, deployable and sustainable, and structured and suited to the needs of the new strategic environment.
- It is able to conduct a range of tasks from humanitarian missions to war fighting.
- It has unrivalled access to littoral areas and does not require any host nation support in order to conduct operations.
- Amphibious forces are key elements upon which the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces (JRRF) may draw and specialised shipping will give the JRRF important extra flexibility.
- Britain is acknowledged as the European leader in amphibious operations and is the natural partner for the United States Marine Corps.
- This means we will:
- maintain a specialist brigade sized landing force with integral support and armed helicopters, artillery, air defence, engineers and logistic support;
- continue to invest in improved specialist amphibious shipping, including the landing platform helicopter HMS OCEAN which is planned to enter service early next year, replacement landing platform docks HMS ALBION and BULWARK, and two new landing ship logistics to replace RFAs SIR GERAINT and SIR PERCIVALE, which will be available early in the next century. An additional four roll-on/roll-off container ships will be acquired in the short term;
- expand the role of the amphibious force as a key element within an enhanced maritime capability in order to conduct and support land operations with the other Services and Allies;
- make optimum use of our amphibious shipping and equipment by carrying out more training with the other Services.
- The amphibious force will continue to:
- be a key component of Britain's most rapidly deployable forces;
- provide the pivotal element of the UK/Netherlands Amphibious Force, which makes a significant contribution to NATO and within the context of European defence initiatives.
- The need for an amphibious capability has been endorsed by the SDR, and we are committed to ensuring that Britain has a strong and capable amphibious force with which to move into the next century.
ATTACK SUBMARINES
- The nuclear-powered attack submarine is an extremely potent weapon system with an important role to play in support of a wide range of operations. It is a capability Britain must have in the 21st century. The future of the attack submarine force is therefore assured.
- Moreover, the introduction of Tomahawk broadens the possible employment of attack submarines. The original fit plan did not include all the Trafalgar class; the SDR has concluded that the whole class should be converted to be able to fire Tomahawk.
- The nature and scale of deployed operations has changed since the end of the Cold War, and we have seen a corresponding shift in the type of military response required. We will retain the full range of capabilities provided by attack submarines, but in the light of our assessment of the forces needed to support Britain's foreign and security policy, and our strategic priorities, we can make a small reduction in the current size of the attack submarine flotilla.
- This means:
- a staged reduction from 12 to 10 attack submarines, but
- the order placed last year for the first three Astute class submarines is unaffected, and
- it is still intended to place an order early next century for two more Astutes.
- The reduction in numbers does not mean an increase in workload. There will be a reduction in peacetime employment to match with the force level reduction and to address programme stretch. This will also take account of a growing requirement for deployment and exercise of Tomahawk capable submarines.
- In addition, manpower released from paying off two submarines will be used to fill gaps ashore within the submarine area.
- The attack submarine Flotilla will be slightly smaller, but with a wider fit of Tomahawk and continued acquisition of the modern Astute class submarines it will remain a potent and effective force at the heart of Britain's defence capability.
DESTROYERS AND FRIGATES
- The SDR's emphasis on flexible, capable and deployable forces has reinforced the importance of the destroyer and frigate force in the new strategic environment. Destroyers and frigates will therefore continue to be a key component of the Royal Navy, in peace and war.
- The threat has changed. We no longer face potential enemies with navies on the scale of the Cold War, and open ocean anti-submarine warfare is no longer the primary task it once was.
- But operations in support of crisis management or force projection missions, in NATO or further afield, are often as demanding. We must adapt our forces accordingly. This includes an ability to carry out simultaneous and sometimes prolonged operations in a wide range of maritime environments.
- And we must be able to undertake peacetime tasks without placing undue burdens on destroyer and frigate crews.
- This means a firm commitment to a modern and effective destroyer and frigate force, including continuing investment in new ships, especially for air defence. In particular:
- the last three Type 23s will enter service by 2001;
- the Type 42s will be replaced by the Horizon multinational Common New Generation Frigate;
- we will continue to develop a future escort for the even longer term.
- There will be a small reduction in the overall size of the destroyer and frigate force, from 35 to 32 ships. This will be achieved by paying off six escorts between 1999 and 2001, and replacing them with the last three Type 23s.
- The smaller force will be able to meet all operational commitments in the new strategic environment. It must, however, also be able to undertake its peacetime tasks without overstretch. To achieve this:
- manpower released from ships payed off will be used to fill gapped billets elsewhere;
- changes in deployment patterns will involve fewer ships in routine peacetime tasks;
- we will reduce activity levels by changing the way in which we meet our commitments in the Gulf, the West Indies and the South Atlantic.
- The SDR has confirmed a new but demanding future for the destroyer and frigate force as a vital part of Britain's maritime crisis management and power projection capability.
MINE COUNTERMEASURES VESSELS
- Britain is a world leader in mine countermeasures. Although the scale of the mine threat in home waters is much smaller than during the Cold War, the mine threat to force projection operations, in NATO or further afield, is considerable.
- HUNT and SANDOWN mine countermeasures vessels therefore have an extremely important role to play. In particular, they will be a key element of force projection in littoral waters.
- We have assessed the size of our mine countermeasures requirements primarily against the needs of force projection operations, including simultaneous and prolonged deployments. But mine countermeasures vessels will also continue to:
- support the deterrent;
- support the Civil Power in Northern Ireland;
- take part in NATO's STANAVFORCHAN;
- undertake fishery protection duties.
- As a result we will:
- continue to build up our force of modern and capable HUNT and SANDOWN vessels;
- update both classes in the next decade; but
- increase the current force of 19 vessels to 22, not to 25 as planned earlier.
- We will achieve this by:
- continuing to accept new SANDOWNS into service;
- paying off three hulls shortly after the turn of the century as the final SANDOWNS are accepted into service. Details of which vessels will be withdrawn will be announced at a later date.
- This programme secures the long term future of the mine countermeasures force as a vital enabler of operations in the changed international environment, and will ensure that Britain remains at the leading edge of mine countermeasures effectiveness.
FISHERY PROTECTION
- The SDR has confirmed that the Fishery Protection Squadron should continue to carry out tasks on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
- It concluded that Royal Navy vessels represented the most effective way of carrying out these tasks. In particular, it recognised the advantages that the Royal Navy brings when it is required to enforce fishery protection regulations or to resolve related harassment incidents at sea. It also recognised the additional benefits that the Squadron provides in search and rescue, providing assistance to Customs and Excise, policing offshore oil and gas installations, and other tasks.
- The Scottish Fishery Protection Agency has, however, decided that it no longer requires Royal Navy assistance on fishery protection duties in Scottish waters. The SDR therefore concluded that the Squadron should be reduced by one ship.
- As a result:
- HMS ORKNEY will be payed off at the end of April 1999
- the five remaining ISLAND Class and one of the CASTLE Class offshore patrol vessels will continue their fishery protection tasks as before, assisted by HUNT Class mine countermeasures vessels.
- The future of the Squadron will be reviewed as the ISLAND Class vessels approach the end of their lives from 2007 onwards.
NAVAL SUPPORT
- One of the main aims of the SDR has been to provide the front line with modern and effective support. Key changes which will affect the Naval Support Command (NSC) are:
- the Smart Procurement Initiative;
- the appointment of a Chief of Defence Logistics;
- a review of stockholdings, and changes to arrangements for storage and distribution of stores and ammunition.
- In addition, changes in force levels will impact upon the refit programme.
Smart Procurement Initiative
- Implementation of the new processes and procedures identified by the Smart Procurement Initiative will for the first time unite all relevant design and support expertise into integrated project teams to manage equipment from concept through to end of service, with particular emphasis on through life costs. Work on implementing this is underway. These issues are described in detail in the Procurement Executive fact sheet.
Chief of Defence Logistics
- The SDR concluded that in providing logistics support to the front line, there is a need to build on the strengths of the three single-Service logistics and materiel organisations by:
- taking account of the fact that operations are increasingly conducted on a joint-Service basis; and
- doing things where possible on a functional, defence-wide basis.
- It has therefore been decided that:
- the three single-Service organisations will be brought together into a unified organisation to provide logistic support to all three Services;
- a Chief of Defence Logistics will be appointed to take overall control of the current organisations and re-configure them after an appropriate transition period into one integrated organisation.
- Extensive further work is required to develop these proposals. CDL will also preside over the following changes to:
Stockholdings, Storage and Distribution
- We no longer need to be able to respond at short notice to a massive military threat as we did during the Cold War. We can therefore release resources for other priorities by making savings in this area.
- The scope for major savings, by disposing of surplus stocks and reducing new procurement, has been identified throughout the MOD. A new target of reducing holdings of MOD capital spares by 20% or £2.2 billion has been set over the next three years.
- This initiative, combined with improved business practices, will allow us to make further substantial reductions in the storage and distribution infrastructure. Here too we will be adopting our joint or tri-Service approach where possible.
- A Defence Storage and Distribution Agency (Non-Explosive) will be formed by not later than April 1999. It will be owned by the Quartermaster General. The Agency will be responsible for 3rd and 4th line storage.
- Royal Navy Stores Depots within the Naval Bases will be unaffected. These changes will, however, result in the early closure of the storage depots at Rosyth and Colerne. Full consultation will take place.
- Explosive storage, processing and distribution currently split between the Royal Navy and the Army will be brought together as a division of the Naval Bases and Supply Agency by April 1999.
Logistic Support
- Increased funding will be made available for long lead component refurbishment/purchase to restore our ability to regenerate weapons.
Refit Programme
- The reduction in nuclear submarines, destroyers/frigates and mine countermeasures vessels numbers will, however, lead to a reduction in refitting work at Rosyth and Devonport.
- A major allocated refit programme for non nuclear work will continue until 2007 at Rosyth and 2001 at Devonport. At Rosyth this will include the major refit of ARK ROYAL, due to start next year.
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