“Harpoon is going out of service in 2023. I reported back in September that progress on the interim missile appeared to be slowing down, now we know why.įirst Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin said at a recent session of the Defence Select Committee. When Harpoon exits service in 2023 there will be a serious capability gap until the entry into service of FC/ASW programme in 2030 if the interim missile project does not happen, warned the Defence Committee. Manufacture and delivery of the weapon system to be delivered in Financial Year 2023/2024.”

First delivery of the ship installed equipment would be required by December 2022 and first delivery of missiles would be required by December 2023. “ The Authority has a possible future requirement to procure a next generation ship launched anti-ship weapon system for use within training and operational roles with the Royal Navy. The Ministry of Defence issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for a “Next Generation Surface Ship Guided Weapon (SSGW)” to equip Royal Navy vessels. In 2019, the Ministry of Defence notified bidders of its intention to purchase an interim anti-ship missile as current Harpoon stocks reach end of life and a replacement not being due until 2030. The interim anti-ship missile would have filled the gap between Harpoon retiring and the ‘ Future Cruise/ Anti– Ship Weapon’ entering service.

Sinking ship simulator