The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a \u00a326bn, 10-year programme to modernise the Royal Navy\u2019s three principal naval bases, describing it as the largest programme of naval infrastructure investment since the end of the Cold War.<\/p>\n
The funding will be used to modernise HM Naval Base Clyde, HM Naval Base Devonport (image above) and HM Naval Base Portsmouth. According to the MOD, the programme will modernise waterfront infrastructure, provide new docking ports, refurbish buildings and deliver new Single Living Accommodation for Armed Forces personnel.<\/p>\n
The financial commitment, confirmed in the Defence Investment Plan, will also provide new training facilities, out-of-water engineering infrastructure, and research and development capabilities to support Royal Navy readiness.<\/p>\n
During a visit to HMNB Clyde, minister for defence readiness and industry Luke Pollard said: \u201cThe threats facing the United Kingdom are real and they are growing. This Government is not waiting \u2014 we are acting now to ensure our Royal Navy has the bases and infrastructure it needs to be ready to fight.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis \u00a326bn investment is the largest in our naval bases since the Cold War, and Scotland is central to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added:\u00a0\u201cClyde is critical to our nation\u2019s defence. This investment is securing thousands of jobs up and down the country and strengthening our Armed Forces for the challenges of today and the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
HMNB Clyde, home to the UK\u2019s nuclear deterrent and the Royal Navy\u2019s submarine centre of specialisation, will receive \u00a315.1bn through the Defence Investment Plan as part of what the MOD described as one of the most significant and sustained programmes of UK Government investment in Scotland in the coming decades.<\/p>\n
Scottish secretary Douglas Alexander said: \u201cScotland is crucial to UK defence and this \u00a315.3bn UK Government funding for some of our most critical military assets will make Britain safer at home, stronger abroad and deliver a defence dividend for Scottish communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs home to the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the UK\u2019s nuclear deterrent, it\u2019s only right that Faslane \u2013 Scotland\u2019s largest military establishment and second-biggest employment site with over 6,500 military and civilian personnel \u2013 will be transformed with \u00a315.1bn Defence Investment Plan funding into a modern, more efficient base, future-proofed for war-fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alongside the naval infrastructure programme, the MOD announced more than \u00a3240M of RAF sustainment contracts benefiting Scotland. Boeing Defence UK has been awarded a \u00a3115.2M, two-year contract extension to sustain the RAF\u2019s fleet of nine P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operated from RAF Lossiemouth.<\/p>\n
A separate \u00a3127.5M E-7 Wedgetail sustainment contract has also been confirmed.<\/p>\n
The MOD also announced it has completed the purchase of Finnart Oil Terminal in the west of Scotland, describing it as a multi-million-pound acquisition that will expand the Royal Navy\u2019s sovereign fuel-holding capacity and provide additional space for the Clyde Transformation Programme.<\/p>\n
Separately, the government confirmed a \u00a320M investment in Inchgreen Marine Park to revitalise one of the largest operational dry docks in the UK. It is expected to support the creation of 350 direct jobs and provide a new skills centre.<\/p>\n
The 10-year naval infrastructure programme forms part of the Defence Investment Plan\u2019s wider \u00a3298bn package to transform the UK\u2019s Armed Forces and delivers on the Strategic Defence Review\u2019s commitment to warfighting readiness.<\/p>\n