The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Royal Navy is advancing both near-term and long-term missile defence and strike capabilities, with work underway on technologies that will underpin a new class of destroyer in the 2030s.
The update came in a written parliamentary question on 9 September. Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty asked about progress on developing Maritime Integrated Air and Missile Defence and Strike capability.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard pointed to immediate enhancements already delivered, saying: “Progress has been made through enhancements to Air and Missile Defence and Strike capabilities for the Royal Navy (RN) of today, the effectiveness of which have been demonstrated on operations. These include the fielding of the Naval Strike Missile, Combat Management System upgrades under Project RECODE and continued progress in Laser Directed Energy Weapons.”
Looking ahead, Pollard highlighted the Future Air Dominance System (FADS), describing it as “a transformative multi-domain Royal Navy programme that will provide Maritime Integrated Air and Missile Defence against the toughest of threats in the air and space domain, and Long-Range Precision Strike against the most difficult targets in air, land, and maritime domains.” He added that work is continuing to define the operational problem statement and potential architectures.
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FADS is expected to replace the Type 45 destroyers from the mid-2030s and is centred on the development of the Type 83. Officials describe the future destroyer not as a single platform but as part of a “system of systems” linking warships, uncrewed platforms, advanced sensors, combat management networks and new missile effectors.
The aim is to maintain the Royal Navy’s ability to defend against sophisticated air and missile threats while also providing long-range strike options across multiple domains.
Earlier this year, BAE Systems was awarded a £285 million contract under Project RECODE to upgrade combat management systems across the fleet, including Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, and the future Type 26 frigates. This work is designed to sustain current capabilities while also laying the digital foundations for FADS.
A radar technology demonstrator contract has also been placed with BAE, advancing design work that could shape the sensor suite for Type 83. At the same time, missile programmes such as the Naval Strike Missile and the evolving CAMM family are being integrated into the fleet, alongside Sea Viper Evolution upgrades for Type 45. These systems are viewed as early steps in de-risking the effectors that will feature in FADS.
Every time a minister says the line ‘systems of systems’ a little bit of me dies on the inside. All I can think of is it being a fancy phrase the treasury have pulled out in order to cheap out on the actual warships.
Never seen so many big words, project names, meetings and bugger all else come out the CDS mouth and the MODs, endless warm words, hot air and shite. Talking up lots nothing and doing nothing, but making out so much is going on. If it words and service deals and maint contracts then the MOD has it covered. As for new orders none, nothing just made in service dates for things which already over due, delayed and over cost.
Come back in 2030 every thing will be fully working, in service. Until then its fingers crossed no one starts a war and if do in 2030 hopefully we will not loose any tanks etc as we have only 148 and no spares to replace combat losses.
The command what ever paper due out which may show what we might be ordering will be a farce a total and utter farce, Playing at world power on shoe string budget. hoping bluff and big talk will work.