Are hypersonics the answer to the Royal Navy's lethality debate?
Future Cruise/Anti Ship Weapon concept graphic. (Image: MBDA)
Lethality was a key topic during the First Sea Lord's Sea Power Conference, with UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey saying he wanted to see the RN lead the way in the field.
Speaking at the IISS-hosted First Sea Lord's Sea Power Conference on 5 May, MoD Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Financial and Military Capability) Air Mshl Richard Knighton questioned whether hypersonic weapons were the 'optimal solution' for future RN lethality.
The RN has come under criticism for the lack of perceived lethality in the surface fleet, highlighted by the future retirement of the Harpoon Block 1C missiles in 2023 with no immediate replacement.
British politicians on the UK Parliament's Defence Committee have branded RN ships 'porcupines' – well defended but lacking the ability to strike.
Knighton said during a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
-
![Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?]()
Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?
The USN is conducting a market search seeking additional sources capable of supplying 516 units of Over the Horizon – Weapons System Encanistered Missiles.
