A programme called WHITEHEAD2 will deliver a modernised through-life torpedo support solution for the Royal Navy from 2029, covering repair, maintenance, stockpile support, obsolescence management and future capability development, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative member for Huntingdon, asked for the full scope of the programme.
Luke Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “The WHITEHEAD2 Programme will sustain and enhance the Royal Navy’s in-service torpedo capability and associated support arrangements, including repair, maintenance, stockpile support, obsolescence management, and future capability development. It will deliver a modernised through-life torpedo support solution from 2029 onwards, helping maintain the availability, effectiveness, and resilience of UK torpedo capability to meet future operational requirements.”
No value was given for the programme, no contractor was named and the answer does not say which weapons it covers, though the Royal Navy’s in-service torpedoes are the heavyweight Spearfish carried by submarines and the lightweight Sting Ray launched from ships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft.
Stockpile support and obsolescence management are the parts of that list worth watching. Torpedoes are among the munitions whose holdings the department does not disclose, and a support arrangement that runs from 2029 implies decisions about the size and condition of those stocks being taken well before then.
it’s more important than ever that the RN retains both these torpedoes with a UK supply chain and ensures that all UK platforms can fire them.
As more naval combat is forced underwater then ASW will only grow in importance.