§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which UK companies have the capacity to design and build destroyers and frigates for the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement. [154045]
§ Mr. HoonCurrently BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. are the only UK shipbuilders with the capability to undertake both the detailed design and build of such vessels, though other companies could acquire the capability.
However, the most challenging aspect of modern warship procurement lies in the ability to integrate highly complex weapon systems, which is why we seek to place prime contracts on companies with this broader systems capability. Such companies may or may not be shipbuilders themselves.