Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Acknowledged
In the meantime, the Department’s struggles to deliver projects to modernise land capabilities leaves the...
Conclusion
In the meantime, the Department’s struggles to deliver projects to modernise land capabilities leaves the Army reliant on out-dated vehicles.27 Although the first Boxer armoured fighting vehicle is due to be delivered in 2023, it will not achieve initial operating capability until 2025.28 The Department recently updated us on the ongoing saga of the delayed Ajax armoured vehicles.29 The Department was finally able to report some positive news about the programme, as the user validation trials had been completed successfully.30 However, it was unable to give us a revised initial operating capability date.31
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendation and will provide an update on the implications for the Army's forward equipment programme and more detail on the department’s approach to balance risk with the speed of capability delivery.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2023 3.2 The department recognises the need to balance risk with the speed of capability delivery. The experience of procuring equipment for Ukraine has shown what can be achieved with increased risk appetite and when pace is prioritised. There may be scope to take more risk to get capability into the hands of the user more quickly; however, this will not be appropriate in every case and needs to be carefully considered and the additional risk carefully managed. The department will write to the Committee with more detail on the department’s approach, including the scope to increase the pace of delivery to the front line. 3.3 The department will provide the committee with an update on the implications for Army’s forward equipment programme.