Tri-Service
Could New Technology Compromise Britain's Nuclear Submarines?
A powerful group of MPs has written to two major defence contractors questioning whether new technology could undermine the ability of Britain's nuclear submarines to operate at sea without being detected.
The Defence Select Committee letter, to BAE Systems and Babcock, refers to the current Vanguard-class vessels in service, as well as the Successor submarines which are planned to replace them.
It notes the development of new technologies such as underwater drones, and questions what impact they could have on submarine detection, and what countermeasures are in place to deal with the threat.
The committee has asked for a reply by the end of the month. A date for a vote on the Successor programme is yet to be announced, but it's believed that it could take place as early as March.
The letter is set out below:
"The Defence Committee is conducting preparatory work in advance of the expected debate and vote in the House on the Successor Programme.
"As part of that work, the Committee would to like gain a better understanding of the extent to which new technologies could make it impossible for the Vanguard class to operate undetected at sea."
"Therefore, I would be grateful if you could provide the Committee with an assessment of:
"(1) The current military technologies available to detect and track submarines.
"(2) Whether new technologies, for example underwater drones, are being developed which could accurately detect and track submarines."
"(3) The feasibility of such technologies to operate effectively.
"(3) What the timescale would be before such equipment would become operational.
"(4) What advancements in submarine design are being considered to combat detection by such equipment."
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