12
Recommendation
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned…
Accepted in Part
The Ajax programme, which is now also seriously delayed, is yet another example of chronic mismanagement by the Ministry of Defence and its shaky procurement apparatus. This is particularly worrying, as Ajax is fundamental to the establishment and deployment of the Army’s new Strike Brigades, which are intended to be …
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The Ajax programme, which is now also seriously delayed, is yet another example of chronic mismanagement by the Ministry of Defence and its shaky procurement apparatus. This is particularly worrying, as Ajax is fundamental to the establishment and deployment of the Army’s new Strike Brigades, which are intended to be a key Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability 55 part of its future order of battle. As the Ministry materially contributed to delays to both Warrior and Ajax—by insisting on a complex, new generation 40mm cannon, when other tried and tested alternatives were available—they should now publicly justify why this decision was taken and by whom in Main Building, on the Army Board or at DE & S and what urgent action is now being taken, to mitigate its obviously deleterious effect.
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Government response AI summary
The government denies that the 40mm cannon contributed to AJAX delays but justifies its selection based on superior lethality and advanced ammunition capabilities, stating it was approved by HMT, IAB, and the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support in March 2008.
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Ministry of Defence
14
Recommendation
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned…
Accepted in Part
We recognise that the Army must prioritise its equipment spending to specific areas of capability, but consider it unacceptable that the replacement of the FV430 series may not be in service until the 2030s, meaning that this vehicle will have been in service for some 70 years. We urge the …
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We recognise that the Army must prioritise its equipment spending to specific areas of capability, but consider it unacceptable that the replacement of the FV430 series may not be in service until the 2030s, meaning that this vehicle will have been in service for some 70 years. We urge the Department to seek options to bring a replacement for the FV430 series earlier than currently planned. The Army should update us on the status of the programmes that will provide the ‘digital spine’ referred to by Lt. General Tickell.
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Government response AI summary
The government defended the continued use of the FV430 series, stating that analysis for its replacement (ASV) will be completed to identify future requirements which *may* deliver an earlier Out of Service Date, and provided an update on the 'digital spine' through the MSI project …
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Ministry of Defence