Recommendation 18

The MoD has also launched some initiatives to demonstrate a long-term commitment to industry regarding future demand, including an order with BAE Systems for 155mm artillery shells.54 The MoD told us that it wanted to develop an “always-on production line on munitions”, so that it could surge supply when necessary.55 It is also engaging with industry to discuss technical developments which are occurring at fast pace because of the war in Ukraine. The MoD said that without government giving industry appropriate guidance, industry cannot make long-term commitments because the chances of it developing something that would not be marketable is high. The volatility in the nature of the threat means that what is most important is to build adaptable capabilities that can respond to changing requirements.56