Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what Royal Navy (1) ships or boats, and (2) aircraft, are allocated for security and enforcement operations in the UK's Territorial Seas and Exclusive Economic Zone.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The Royal Navy operates a flexible and responsive approach to the allocation of resource to address national security threats to the UK. In terms of vessel types, the Royal Navy allocates frigates, Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels, and minehunters, as well as helicopters (Wildcat, Merlin, and Chinook) to UK security operations. Additionally, the Royal Air Force supports operations in the UK maritime area with P8 maritime patrol aircraft.
It would be misleading to provide a numerical answer on the numbers of vessels and aircraft available for maritime security purposes as allocations may change on a daily basis, affected by, amongst other things, operational readiness profiles, maintenance, training and exercise requirements, as well as the activity of other nations in and around the UK's Economic Exclusion Zone.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what is their current assessment of the number of fast jet pilots now coming out of training.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
We continue to have sufficient aircrew to meet our operational commitments. A range of measures have been introduced to address challenges in the aircrew training pipeline, including the continued impact of the Hawk T2 engine issues which have reduced UK Sovereign pilot training capacity. To mitigate this, a small number of UK students will be trained overseas in partnership with our allies and partners to ensure Front Line demands are met.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Baroness Goldie on 20 June (HL Deb col 100), whether the Ministry of Defence will raise with the Treasury the case for having a multi-year rolling programme of warship orders.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The Royal Navy (RN) has ambitious plans to ensure its fleet remains modern and capable of dealing with evolving threats. Regular discussions take place between the RN, the Ministry of Defence and His Majesty's Treasury to ensure this is funded in a way that provides value for money for taxpayers and the best capability for the RN.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, published on 10 March 2022, sets out the ambition for the pipeline of more than 150 new naval and civil vessels for the UK Government and Devolved Administrations over the next 30 years.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government, what were the expected service lives of (1) RFA Wave Ruler, and (2) RFA Wave Knight, when they were introduced.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The WAVE class ships were built with a design service life of 25 years. Material condition of all platforms are carefully monitored and, if required, service life can be adjusted based on service need and appropriate evidence.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the annual cost of keeping RFA Wave Ruler and RFA Wave Knight in reserve status.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The annual cost for the safe keeping and upkeep of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) WAVE RULER and RFA WAVE KNIGHT is circa £4 million in total. These costs include care and protection, dehumidification and continuation of mandatory maintenance to remain in class.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what are their estimated sale prices for RFA Wave Ruler and RFA Wave Knight.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
On current plans, RFA WAVE RULER and RFA WAVE KNIGHT are not for sale. Therefore, no assessment has been made regarding a potential sales price.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the current status of RFA Fort Victoria.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
Royal Fleet Auxiliary FORT VICTORIA is not in planned maintenance and is therefore available.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect the first fleet solid support ship to replace RFA Fort Victoria.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The approved In Service Date for the first Fleet Solid Support ship is 2031. The Royal Navy expects to manage RFA Fort Victoria's operational status as necessary to maintain solid support ship availability during the capability transition period.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether RAF fast jet pilots are now being trained in Italy.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The Royal Air Force have signed a technical arrangement with the Italian Air Force to send a small number of RAF trainee pilots to the International Flight Training School in Italy, commencing in July 2023.
Asked by: Lord West of Spithead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what ships the Royal Navy currently have on order.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
The Royal Navy currently has the following vessels on order :
Class | On Order/Contract |
Type 26 Frigate | 8 |
Type 31 Frigate | 5 |
Fleet Solid Support | 3 |
Autonomous Minehunting – Mission System | 3 |
Autonomous Minehunting – Logistic Support Vessel | 1 |
Multi Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (Seabed Warfare) | 1 |