Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Thursday, 27 November 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 December 2025. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Warships: Procurement

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase the number of operational Royal Navy warships in this financial year.

Answer

Currently the Royal Navy has 52 Surface Ships in service, held at the appropriate level of readiness to meet operational commitments.

The Royal Navy continues to modernise its Fleet through careful management of a surface fleet transition plan to ensure the highest priority outputs are maintained through this decade and the next. We are replacing our Type 23 Frigates with eight of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare ships, the Type 26 Frigates. They will be bolstered by five general purpose Type 31 Frigates, providing opportunity to project power, support NATO operations and influence on the global stage. The Fleet Solid Support ships similarly represent the renewal of RFA solid support capability providing the ammunition, stores and spares to sustain global operations.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12467
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Procurement Warships
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk