Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
External market demand for components and skills slows defence equipment delivery significantly.
Recommendation
Since the end of COVID-19 restrictions, there has been increased international demand for key components and skilled workers from other sectors, such as the car and commercial aviation industries.69 This has contributed to the slow delivery of defence equipment, including digital communications, armoured vehicles and Royal Navy ships.70 For example, solving technical issues affecting the state-of-the-art Type 26 frigate has contributed to delays, while demand for semiconductors by other industries has affected the progress of the Army’s Boxer armoured fighting vehicle project.71 The delivery of new warships for the Royal Navy is currently considerably slower than in some countries such as Japan, although the MoD is hopeful that the pace will quicken as projects, such as Type 31 frigates, become more established.72
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating it has introduced a new Integrated Procurement Model, announced in February 2024, to increase the pace of military capability delivery, with implementation beginning in April 2024 and continuing through 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2024 5.2 The Integrated Procurement Model was announced to Parliament on 28 February 2024 . The new model is designed to drive increased pace in delivery of military capability to UK forces on the front line. 5.3 Implementation begins from April 2024 with initial integration services provided by UK Strategic Command’s Integration Design Authority; new direction and guidance to support Spiral development; and decisions on new major programmes being informed by earlier, independent advice from experts that will inform the choices and trade-offs. Implementation will continue through 2024-2025. 5.4 In line with the Defence Command Paper 2023 ambition to drive pace in acquisition, the department will monitor the increase in pace of delivery and provide updates as appropriate.