Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Defence: Rotary Strategy

29 January 2020 · 4 other contributors · 8,489 words

Opened by Robert Courts Con Witney

Responding minister: James Heappey

Defence

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robert Courts raised concerns about defence: rotary strategy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Courts is concerned about the diverse range of UK helicopter fleets across different services, noting varying lifespans of aircraft like the Puma, Chinook, and Apache.
  • Mr Courts asks the government to consider helicopters as part of a broader strategy, similar to national shipbuilding and combat air strategies, focusing on technological requirements and timelines.
  • The minister highlighted the iAero Centre in Somerset as a key innovation hub and discussed the need for improving recruitment practices to attract more women into high-end engineering roles.

Key requests to Government

Mr Courts asks the government to start thinking about helicopters as part of a broader strategy, calling for an holistic approach similar to the national shipbuilding and combat air strategies. He requests consideration of technological requirements, costs, and timelines for future rotary capabilities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Robert Courts Con Witney

Mr Courts is concerned about the diverse range of UK helicopter fleets across different services, noting that while some aircraft like the Chinook and Apache are less urgent for replacement due to their long service dates extending into the 2040s, others such as the Puma have a much shorter lifespan until around 2025-30. He highlights potential shortfalls in medium-lift capability and the need for consideration of unmanned aircraft capabilities. Additionally, he points out that budgetary pressures on procurement can affect service conditions for military personnel.

Other contributors (4)
  • Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow North West

    She shared her personal experience of being rescued by a Sea King helicopter, emphasising the importance of long-term funding for defence procurement and replacing aircraft. Carol highlighted issues such as the gap in capability with the Nimrod replacement and stressed the need to align UK defence policy with that of its European allies post-Brexit. She also discussed the skills gap in defence sectors and the underrepresentation of women, advocating for more diversity in STEM fields. In an intervention, Ms Monaghan noted that companies recruit equally at apprenticeship level but observed a disparity at graduate level, suggesting women may be underrepresented in this stage of their career. Highlighted issues around gender imbalance in defence companies, particularly at senior levels. Noted that female and male students equally consider apprenticeships but graduates are less balanced. Suggested improving recruitment practices to address this issue.

  • Jack Lopresti Con Filton and Bradley Stoke

    He congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate, noting the Chinook helicopter's critical role in military operations by picking up casualties and operating a mobile theatre to ensure quick transport back to Camp Bastion. He highlighted Boeing and the RAF for operating the aircraft for 40 years with continued service expected until probably the 2060s.

  • Marcus Fysh Con Yeovil

    Championed the need for a helicopter strategy, highlighting Yeovil's importance in UK rotary-wing manufacturing. Emphasized the economic benefits of £11 billion in potential export sales from Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. Proposed opportunities for Army to integrate the Wildcat with missiles alongside Apaches. Suggested conducting a capability review on AW149 as a possible solution.

  • Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South

    The MP highlighted the importance of rotary-wing aircraft in defence, stressing the need for a comprehensive strategy to maintain sovereign capability, preserve investment and jobs, and ensure national security. He urged the Government to urgently develop a wider defence industrial strategy encompassing expenditure, policy and operations across all areas of defence.

Government Response

James Heappey

Congratulated Robert Courts for securing the debate and praised the courage of helicopter pilots and engineers in challenging environments. Emphasized defence's role in supporting 115,000 jobs through £18 billion annual spending. Highlighted the iAero Centre in Somerset as a key innovation hub. Discussed workforce diversity issues and advocated for improving recruitment practices to attract more women into high-end engineering roles. Mentioned significant investments including £24 billion over ten years on rotary wing equipment, infrastructure, personnel, and training. Cited various investments such as £1 billion for 62 Wildcat helicopters and £900 million for 30 Merlin Mk 2 deliveries. Outlined plans for future autonomous systems and collaboration with international partners like NATO and the US Army's Future Vertical Lift programme. Emphasized the importance of a balanced approach between equipment, personnel training, infrastructure, and in-service support to deliver efficient military capability. Called for patience from Robert Courts regarding the timing of a rotary-wing strategy amid broader security, defence, and foreign policy review.

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