Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted
SDR aims to develop ambitious equipment programme and strengthen identified areas of weakness.
Conclusion
The Department said that the SDR would build upon and develop the current equipment programme. The Department described the existing programme as “ambitious” and an “extraordinary list” of “massive programmes” which includes renewing the nuclear warhead, spending £40 billion to reequip the Army, and the long-term investment in a sixth-generation fighter. It also said it was trying to strengthen some areas of weakness.46 For example, the previous Public Accounts Committee heard during its inquiry on the 2023 Equipment Plan that integrated air missile defence needed to be deeper and broader both within the UK’s armed forces and within NATO collectively.47
Government Response Summary
The government confirms its endorsement of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and commits to developing a new Defence Investment Plan (DIP) by Autumn 2025 to implement its recommendations, which will build upon and strengthen the current equipment programme.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 4.2 This government has endorsed the Strategic Defence Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. The department will develop a new Defence Investment Plan (DIP) to implement the Review’s vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan that will be published in the autumn. The department will ensure that this Plan is affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technological opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. 4.3 Work on the DIP is progressing at pace and will include a thorough analysis of the programme required to meet the ambition of the SDR. The department will provide updates on progress as requested by the Committee.