§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current shipbuilding programme for the Royal Navy. [156749]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence has embarked on the largest procurement programme of new ships for the Royal Navy in many years, including orders for six Type 45 destroyers, three Astute Class submarines and four Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary).
Future plans include the purchase of two new aircraft carriers, further orders of Type 45 destroyers and Astute Class submarines, the Joint Casualty Treatment Ship, and the progressive replacement of existing RFA vessels through the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability project.
Looking further ahead, we expect to replace the capability provided by the Type 22 and 23 Frigates with the Future Surface Combatant. It is too early to say how the new capability will be met or when orders will be placed because the project is still at the concept stage.