Mine Countermeasures, Hydrography and Patrol Capability Programme
On 12 March 2010 the British government confirmed a Mine Countermeasures, Hydrography and Patrol Capability (MHPC) programme that had previously been referred to as the C3 variant "Global Corvette" of the Future Surface Combatant. The previous C3 variant was envisioned as a class of eight ships, each with a displacement of about 3,000 tonnes. They were to be able to fulfil a wide range of roles including Mine Countermeasures, Hydrography and Constabulary duties. The eight vessels would initially replace the Hunt and Sandown Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels currently in service with the Royal Navy. With additional orders, it was expected the C3 vessel would eventually go on to replace the Royal Navy's current Echo and River classes too. The C3 vessel due to its size and capabilities would have complemented the Royal Navy's escort fleet (frigates and destroyers) in their constabulary tasks. Such constabulary tasks would involve counter narcotics in the West Indies and North Atlantic, to combat terrorism and piracy East of Suez (Suez Canal) in the Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean as well as its intended role to provide Mine Countermeasures and Hydrography, either alone or as part of a task-force anywhere in the world.
The October 2010 SDSR stated that the existing Hunt and Sandown class MCM vessels will be replaced, the replacement vessels will use a common hull and modular design to support modern counter mine systems, hydrography and patrol. Post SDSR it is unclear what specifications and type of ship the Mine Countermeasures, Hydrography and Patrol Capability programme will deliver, and whether in fact the programme is still active under that name. However in June 2011 BAE Systems and SeeByte of Edinburgh, Scotland signed a "Co-operation Agreement to pursue business opportunities associated with the UK’s Mine Counter Measure (MCM), Hydrography and Patrol Capability (MHPC) Programme." Previous to that in May 2011 the MoD seemed to have confirmed the program's existence.
It was speculated in December 2010 (post SDSR) that "Current plans seem to point to a single class of vessel about 100m in length and between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes displacement. These will deliver on the MCM, survey and patrol requirements using a range of off board systems like USV’s, UAV’s and UUV’s." It also speculated that it will seek "to replace the Hunt, Sandown, Echo and River classes" currently in service, just as envisioned with the C3 vessel.
Read more about this topic: Future Of The Royal Navy
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