UK NAVAL PROGRAMMES


technology outputs to ensure they are properly targeted at front-line capability requirements, and can be introduced to service in a timely and effective manner’. S2C2 briefed to industry in early 2007 on progress to date, revealing that work performed to date had developed a new three-tier plan to recapitalise the bulk of the Royal Navy’s sub- capital ship fleet through to 2035. The strategy outlined a notional Future Surface Combatant (FSC) capability being delivered by three distinct ship types variously optimised for high-end warfighting, stabilisation operations, and a miscellany of constabulary and minor war vessel tasks. As well as seeking to rationalise the fleet, maximise commonality of equipment and systems, and provide industry with a steady production ‘drumbeat’, the strategy also attempts to balance the need for high-end warfighting capabilities with the requirement to have sufficient hulls for emerging maritime security tasks. Presenting an overview of early S2C2


outcomes, Commodore Brunton said that analyses had shaped plans for three new classes of surface combatants:


• A Force Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Combatant (known as C1).


• A Stabilisation Combatant (C2). • An Ocean-Capable Patrol Vessel (C3).


The plan that has been developed would see


eight existing classes rationalised down to just three. The capability currently delivered by the Type 22s and Type 23s would be replaced by C1 and C2, while C3 would replace the capabilities of the Royal Navy’s dedicated mine countermeasures fleet, but also offer additional capability for maritime security tasks. C1 is envisaged as a multi-mission combatant


of about 6000tonnes displacement. ‘It would operate as an integral part of the maritime strike group or amphibious task group,’ said Commodore Brunton, ‘offering high-end ASW, land attack, and coastal suppression. It would also have an organic MCM capability and facilities for an embarked military force.’ He continued: ‘C2 would meet the policy


requirement for operations in support of small-scale stabilisation operations, sea line protection, and chokepoint escort.’ One debate


ongoing is whether C1 and C2 should be based on the same generic hull, but with differences across their respective equipment fits to reflect the capability split between the two. C3 is currently envisaged as a vessel of


approximately 2000tonnes displacement with a range of 7000nm. ‘We see this vessel being used for maritime security and interdiction operations,’ said Commodore Brunton. ‘It would also have a large mission bay aft, reconfigurable for special forces, MCM, or a Lynx helicopter.’ Analysis on the force mix continues,


with early planning estimates suggesting a requirement for 10 C1-type vessels and eight C2 ships. However, officials caution that these estimates could well change to reflect emerging operational priorities and continuing downward budget pressures. The initial requirement for C3 totals eight


ships, these being primarily roled for MCM as replacements for the current Hunt class and Sandown class vessels. However, this number could rise to 14-18 if potential long- term replacements for the three River-class offshore patrol vessels, the Falkland Islands patrol vessel HMS Clyde, and the survey ships HMS Echo and HMS Enterprise later enter the equation. The caveat should be added that the roadmap


developed under S2C2 is not yet endorsed Ministry of Defence policy. However, both Commodore Brunton and staffers in the Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Equipment Capability (Above Water Effects) are seeking endorsement in Planning Round 08 in an effort to take this option set forward. The draft blueprint is understood to have


received a favourable reception from the Navy Board when it was presented in mid-January.


The initial requirement for C3 totals eight ships, these being primarily roled for MCM as replacements for the current Hunt class and Sandown class vessels. However, this number could rise to 14-18 if potential long-term replacements for the three River-class offshore patrol vessels, the Falkland Islands patrol vessel HMS Clyde (shown here), and other vessels are included.


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