Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in the context of his Department's decision to buy up to 61 new intercept vessels, which vessels they will be replacing; when the Department will tender for the design of those new vehicles; and what estimate his Department has made of the cost of the contract.

A tender was issued on 10 December 2021 for the procurement of up to 61 new intercept vessels. The deadline for tender response is 4 February 2022 after which responses will be assessed against the various assessment criteria. It is expected that the Invitation to Negotiate will be issued in March 2022. The Intercept and Escort Craft project's aim is to replace the following craft variants:

· Avon Sea Rider

· Pacific 22 and 24

· Arctic 24

· Delta Dive Rigid Inflatable Boats

The project will reduce the number of variants currently operated while upgrading capability.

The estimated tender value has been advertised at between £16 million and £26 million.