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Written question asked by Lord Lee of Trafford (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 September 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 September 2025. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 29 September 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Submarines

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comments by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, that there is a likely future scenario where the oceans are “effectively transparent and submarines are no longer allowed to hide”.

Answer

We recognise that there are increasing threats to maritime security, including the underwater battlespace, from technological change and the proliferation of advanced capabilities. Assessments of these threats directly inform how we pursue technological advancements across all domains, including in the way we design, build and operate our submarines, to ensure the effectiveness of our capabilities in complex and challenging environments.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL10518
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Submarines Seas and oceans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk