(FAM0003)

Written evidence submitted by Raytheon

Joint Enquiry into Future Cruise and Anti-Surface Weapon Programme (FC/ASW)

Thank you for the opportunity to supply written evidence to inform the Joint Enquiry into the FC/ASW Programme. In making this submission, and in accordance with the Enquiry’s remit, the aim is to alert the Committee to the availability of suitable missiles from other suppliers – in this case Raytheon - that could meet UK future requirements long range strike requirements.  

Naval Strike Missile (NSM)

NSM is a state-of-the-art anti-ship/land attack weapon that Raytheon and Kongsberg are delivering worldwide as the world’s first operationally deployed, autonomous target recognition (ATR), over-the-horizon (OTH) strike missile. NSM is currently in-service with Norway and Poland.  Many other international contracts are in development and NSM was recently been selected as the US Navy’s over-the-horizon weapon system (OTH-WS) for Littoral Combat ships and Frigate FFG(X) ships to increase their lethality and enhance survivability.  NSM is viewed as a potential replacement for Harpoon capability as it has a longer range and significantly greater capability.

NSM has been developed to defeat threats, conditions and defensive systems anticipated out to 2040 and is able to:

• Operate in a GPS-denied environment;
• Achieve superior penetration against advanced air defence systems providing very high weapon survivability;
• Utilise ATR in high clutter conditions - only designated targets are attacked;
• Achieve extreme precision whilst maximising range at low altitude;

•      Perform open-sea and near-land anti-ship missions and also in a land-attack mode.

It is an established, mature weapon, with margins and options to accommodate future modifications.

Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST)

Depending on the boundaries of the FC/ASW programme set by MoD, the programme could impact the requirement to replace the Royal Navy’s Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.  Therefore, consideration may need to be given by MoD to Raytheon’s planned upgrade to that weapon system.   MST is a maritime-specific Tomahawk missile which will advance the weapon’s ability to address fast-emerging near-peer threats and destroy enemy ships moving at sea.  With a range commensurate with existing Tomahawk stocks, MST is specifically designed to provide operators with a next-generation ability to track and destroy moving targets at sea, utilising a multi-mode seeker and upgraded navigation and communication systems.

Tomahawk is receiving continued investment so as to remain in service well into the 2040s.  It may also form the backbone of the development of the US DoD’s Next Generation Land Attack Weapon. The funded development of a maritime strike variant by the US Department of Defense (DoD) simply expands and improves the utility, credibility and effectiveness of the weapons system. 

UK Industrial Involvement in FC/ASW

Raytheon would be interested in offering the above systems to MoD to ensure the UK’s armed forces have a choice in deciding which system best meets their requirements, including the need for interoperability with NATO countries in the US. Raytheon has a proven record of investing in the UK industrial base through its UK subsidiary, Raytheon UK, and its engagement with the UK supply chain, to meet both MoD and US DoD requirements, investment that generates significant UK prosperity.  In addition, approximately 40% of Raytheon UK’s business is exported.  Raytheon would look to utilize these relationships and investments if asked to participate in the FC/ASW programme.

2 July 2018