Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Acknowledged
Furthermore, the Department acknowledged that even if all the Army equipment in the Plan was...
Conclusion
Furthermore, the Department acknowledged that even if all the Army equipment in the Plan was delivered, that would not guarantee it could provide an operational division. This is because the current Plan does not address some risks, such as the need for “joint enablers” which facilitate operations.35 The Department provided examples of the capabilities that the Army would need to address these risks, such as an improved ability to strike with precision at long-range, more comprehensive integrated missile defence against air attack and medical supply chains able to deal with multiple casualties.36 34 Qq 105, 106 35 Q 33 36 Qq 48, 94 12 MoD Equipment Plan 2022–2032 2 Delivering the Equipment Plan Internal savings and adjustments
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.