Are hypersonics the answer to the Royal Navy's lethality debate?
Future Cruise/Anti Ship Weapon concept graphic. (Image: MBDA)
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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy solicits Raytheon and Lockheed for carrier-suitable hypersonic weapon
The USN has awarded two contracts to Raytheon Missiles and Defence and Lockheed Martin for initial development of a carrier-suitable long-range, high-speed weapon known as Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (HALO).
-
Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet
Italy plans to procure two more FREMM frigates as part of a push to strengthen its naval capabilities amid an increased Russian presence in the Mediterranean.
-
Cairo adds more American ships to its fleet
The Egyptian Navy recently has taken delivery of three former USN Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships.