“`html
We gather here today to mark a significant milestone with the signing of this Agreement, a culmination of nine months of dedicated effort. It is with great pleasure that I announce the considerable progress made by the JEF Northern Navies Initiative.
This collaboration exemplifies what can be achieved when nations with shared values and objectives unite for a common cause. The discussions held during this conference have made it abundantly clear that the global landscape is evolving, with escalating threats demanding our immediate attention and action.
In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness that the United Kingdom and its European allies must enhance their commitment to safeguarding our fundamental interests. Through this Agreement, I hope we have illustrated our unwavering resolve to do precisely that.
Embracing Honesty and Challenge
I extend my gratitude to everyone present for the candidness, challenges, and innovative ideas you have contributed to our discussions. The conversations held within these walls have at times been sobering, as we confront the reality of a resurgence in state-on-state conflict—an unfamiliar scenario for many of us, including those with extensive military backgrounds.
There is an undeniable sense of unease that accompanies this shift, and we must not shy away from acknowledging it. However, I depart today with a sense of hope. The recent years have taught us that we are not powerless; each one of us—be it ministers, military strategists, or industry leaders—holds agency in this evolving situation.
Learning from Experience
The crux lies in our readiness to act and our ability to adapt swiftly. A poignant reminder of this was articulated by the Ukrainian ambassador, who reflected on the situation five years ago when Russia first invaded Ukraine. At that time, few believed Ukraine stood a chance. Yet today, the courageous and innovative spirit of Ukrainians endures, as they continue to fight, adapt, and defy the narrative others sought to impose on them.
Their tenacity is inspiring, and I share that belief. While the risks of conflict are rising and Russia will persist in probing our resolve, war is not a foregone conclusion—provided our adversaries perceive our seriousness. The age-old adage, “Prepare for war if you want peace,” holds true even today.
Rebuilding Our Naval Strength
It is imperative that we continue to fortify our capabilities, adapt with agility, and demonstrate a unified front. Our vision to rejuvenate the Royal Navy is now at a critical juncture, and the time for decisive action is upon us.
Since I assumed the role of First Sea Lord eighteen months ago, my primary mission has been clear: to restore the Royal Navy and refocus it on its essential purpose—leading, fighting, and winning. The Defence Secretary has outlined the urgency of our task: we must achieve readiness within 1,000 days.
This urgency informs every action taken by the Royal Navy as we look toward the end of the decade to ensure our capacity to protect our nation in partnership with NATO and our allies. The path ahead is undoubtedly challenging, yet we are making tangible progress each month.
Significant Developments in Naval Capabilities
What drives me daily is the knowledge that we have indeed turned a corner. The Royal Navy is now undergoing a revitalisation of unprecedented scale since the Second World War. We are currently constructing thirteen new frigates, including Type 26s, which will operate in conjunction with Norway.
This will be followed by six Common Combat Vessels designed to command our uncrewed systems. Furthermore, we are renewing our nuclear deterrent capabilities with a fleet of four Dreadnought submarines while completing the Astute programme and preparing for the next generation of attack submarines through AUKUS.
In addition, we are expanding our amphibious capabilities with four new ships for our Commandos, as well as four Fleet Solid Support ships to sustain operations globally. Collectively, this represents a significant investment of approximately 450,000 tonnes of new steel, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a world-class naval force.
Adapting to Modern Naval Warfare
While we acknowledge the challenges we currently face, the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of naval leadership and is resolutely focused on enhancing the availability of our fleet. The future holds immense promise as we engage in a comprehensive renewal of our fighting capability, nuclear deterrent, and the support systems that ensure our operational readiness.
However, to effectively counter the evolving threats we have discussed, the Royal Navy must innovate in how we generate combat power. This is why the concept of the Hybrid Navy has become a focal point for us.
Just a year ago, the notion of the Hybrid Navy was largely theoretical. Today, we have made substantial strides. Our swift response to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz exemplifies this, as we collaborated with many of you to establish a multinational coalition. We repurposed RFA Lyme Bay into a mothership for autonomous mine-hunting systems and rapidly acquired a fleet of Kraken uncrewed vessels.
Historic Milestones in Naval Innovation
Last week marked a historic moment with the commissioning of the Royal Navy’s first Autonomous Squadron in Portsmouth, which establishes a permanent operational presence for autonomous systems within our fleet. This Squadron’s initial mission will focus on coastal defence, utilising uncrewed vessels to monitor our approaches and safeguard critical infrastructure.
Moreover, I am pleased to announce that next year we will enhance our Kraken scouts by integrating counter-drone capabilities, providing a cost-effective method for addressing aerial threats while reserving our advanced munitions for more significant challenges.
The development of the Royal Navy Capability Accelerator Hub in Portsmouth further underscores our commitment to the Hybrid Navy. This hub will serve as a collaborative space for operators, engineers, and industry partners to identify fleet needs, test technologies, and expedite integration into frontline operations.
A Vision for the Future
This past year has been marked by significant action, but we are far from finished. As indicated by the Minister this morning, the first phase of Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Net, will become operational within months, enhancing our ability to detect underwater threats and safeguarding vital infrastructure.
The benefits of this initiative will extend beyond the Royal Navy to our NATO and JEF allies, affording them a clearer understanding of underwater activities. Additionally, we are expanding our capabilities in the air domain, with F-35Bs, Merlins, and Wildcats being joined by uncrewed systems as part of our Hybrid Air Wing.
In two days, I will sign a statement of intent with Northrop Grumman regarding the TALON demonstrator, a significant step towards integrating uncrewed combat aircraft into our operations. This collaboration will facilitate trials in UK waters by 2027, including launches from our carrier, paving the way for a deeper understanding of how to effectively operate alongside manned aircraft.
Partnership with Industry for Success
Progress necessitates a departure from traditional methods. The Royal Navy cannot achieve the rapid development of the Hybrid Navy by adhering to past practices. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the consequences of institutions becoming entrenched in established ways of working.
Thus, I envision a close partnership with industry, where operators engage directly with technology providers, testing solutions in realistic conditions. The Royal Navy must clearly articulate its requirements and remain open to innovative ideas, particularly from smaller companies.
When we identify a successful system, we must invest in it. This approach is fundamental not only to our procurement strategy but also to our overall readiness for combat. Our mission extends beyond the Royal Navy; it is about ensuring the United Kingdom continues to thrive as a maritime nation, projecting sea power to safeguard our society and support our allies.
Commitment to Leadership and Readiness
The United Kingdom values its leadership role in the Euro-Atlantic region and recognises the importance of bringing others along with us. We must ensure our actions align with our words, remaining a vital ally to all present today.
I take this responsibility seriously and pledge that the Royal Navy will be prepared, continue to lead, and be a reliable partner when our allies require support. I conclude by reiterating the hope I feel after this conference—not from blind optimism, but from the tangible evidence of collective resolve and readiness to embrace the technology necessary to address the threats we face.
The JEF Northern Navies are taking proactive measures to bolster our collective security, and I trust I have conveyed that the Royal Navy is actively rebuilding to meet future challenges. Through this effort, we will safeguard our nations, deter conflict, and transition from vision to action.
“`