Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 27
We are astonished that between 1997 and late 2020 (with the exception of a small...
Conclusion
We are astonished that between 1997 and late 2020 (with the exception of a small number of armoured engineering and Viking protected mobility vehicles) the Department had not delivered a single new armoured vehicle from the core procurement programme into operational service with the Army. It is clear that the Ministry of Defence’s armoured vehicle programmes requires independent scrutiny. We ask the National Audit Office to revisit this issue to establish the costs incurred since its 2011 report, progress in delivering current programmes, current armoured capability gaps and the coherency and delivery realism of the Army’s current portfolio of armoured vehicle programmes, particularly in the context of the forthcoming Integrated Review.
Paragraph Reference:
27
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Whilst modernisation and upgrading of existing, and entry into service of new Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) has taken far longer than originally intended, the Department’s focus on urgently procuring the right kit for its operations in the Middle East cannot be underestimated. Urgent Operational Requirements for the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan over this period saw the procurement of critical capabilities such as Mastiff, Ridgeback and Husky amongst others. This was a decision also taken by our allies, such as the US who also focussed on UORs. It should be noted that during the period 1997 to 2020 the Army has delivered the following programmes, some of which are classed as AFVs: • Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks (ISD – 1998). 408 platforms delivered (including Driver Training Tanks). There are currently 227 currently in service. • Viking All-Terrain Vehicle (Protected) (ISD – 2005). 150 delivered with an additional 24 Viking Mk 2 ATVs ordered in 2009. Contract for 99 upgrades (of Mk1 to Mk2 standard) completed in 2016. • Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle (ISD – 2006). 400 platforms to the Armoured & Mech Inf Bdes. • Titan (Bridge Layer) (ISD – 2007). 33 platforms. • Trojan (Multi-purpose engineer vehicle) (ISD – 2007). 33 platforms • Foxhound Protected Patrol Vehicle (ISD – 2012). 401 platforms • Terrier (ISD – 2014). 60 platforms. In addition, the Army has delivered some significant capability enhancements to the operationally deployed AFV fleets including new armour fits for Challenger 2 (CR2) as well as upgrades to its lethality and reliability; applique armour for Warrior and upgrades to Bulldog to improve survivability, mobility and lethality. The NAO has acted upon the Committee’s recommendation to conduct a study into AFV procurement which the Department will fully support.