Royal Navy missile systems delayed

Computers needed to detect and counter attacks not yet ready for new destroyers

New destroyers will have defence systems added later

The Royal Navy is having to take delivery of new anti-missile destroyers without the missiles, radars and computer systems needed to detect and counter attacks because of delays and cost over-runs that have added £1.5bn so far to the original £5bn estimate.

A National Audit Office report blames over-optimism in earlier years, inappropriate commercial arrangements and poor project management, but said there have been no further delays or cost increases since the project was re-negotiated in 2007.

The report said the Ministry of Defence, which made it clear it had always intended to add defence systems to the new Type 45 Destroyers after they enter service, has had to extend the use of older Type 42s.

The plan is to equip the new destroyers with new Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS), still under joint development with the French, Italian and British governments, over the next two years and a computerised Co-operative Engagement Capability being developed by the US to provide a clearer picture of the battle space but not due to enter service until 2014.

The objective is a capability to intercept and destroy multiple incoming missiles or aircraft.

PAAMS has been tested in France but not yet on a destroyer.