Royal Navy set for decade of most remarkable transformation, says Defence Secretary
"The most remarkable transformation in the history of the Royal Navy" is how the Defence Secretary has described the decade ahead for the Senior Service.
Wes Streeting was speaking to BFBS Forces News about the future of the Royal Navy on his first visit to HMNB Devonport in the job.
At the dockyard, the minister met cutting-edge defence companies and saw some of the latest kit, including unmanned surface vehicles and landing craft used by the UK commando forces.
The Defence Secretary highlighted the adaptability of military personnel as one of things he has been most struck by during his first weeks in office.
"I do think one of the things that the constraints and pressures that our Armed Forces have experienced in recent years has given us is a lot of creativity, a lot of ingenuity and a real can-do attitude as well," said Mr Streeting.
He called the development of a Hybrid Navy concept, through the use of AI and autonomous vessels, "genuinely world-leading".
"Lots of our partners and allies are looking with interest, lots of our adversaries are also looking with concern – and that's exactly where we want them to be."
As Devonport is set to receive £7.1 billion over 10 years as part of the Defence Investment Plan, Mr Streeting said "with the investment we're putting in, it doesn't just come with new capability but new jobs, new opportunities".
"I think that there's never been a better time to join defence."
Plymouth is home to the Royal Marines and UK Commando Forces and is set to become the base for the Royal Navy's new fleet of Type 26 frigates.
As the largest naval base in Western Europe, Devonport is pivotal to UK and Nato security.
It is also the only facility in the UK responsible for the deep maintenance and defuelling of the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet.
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