Select committee: Defence Committee
Recommendation 13
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability
Published 14 Mar 2021
Paragraph 54
Addressed to Ministry of Defence
Defence Committee Progress in delivering the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Recommendation (the committee's words)
We note that difficulties with the Ajax programme have again arisen in part as a consequence of the Army’s desire to develop a bespoke vehicle capability (albeit one based on an existing but modified ASCOD 2 hull), with a plethora of complex requirements, and the need to integrate a novel weapon system technology. We welcome the assurances from General Dynamics Land Systems UK that the challenges facing the Ajax programme have been largely resolved and look forward to these new advanced vehicles being delivered to frontline units as soon as possible. The Ministry of Defence must ensure that there are no further delays to this expensive programme. We also note that there may be potential synergies between Ajax and a revised requirement for an armoured infantry fighting vehicle. The Ministry of Defence must ensure that there are no further delays to this expensive programme. We also note that there may be potential synergies between Ajax and a revised requirement for an armoured infantry fighting vehicle. In the event that the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme does not proceed the Army should explain how that Infantry Fighting Vehicle role would be fulfilled and if a further AJAX variant may be a potential candidate, with the associated benefits of in-service support.
From: Defence Committee, Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability (HC 659), paragraph 54, 14 March 2021
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 21 May 2021 (deadline 14 May 2021).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government largely sets out reforms and programme plans in response, noting criticisms of past acquisition, while disagreeing with some points, including that the 40mm weapon system contributed to Ajax delays.
- On past procurement failings, the Department "notes the Committee's comments and acknowledges that defence acquisition has faced challenges in the past", and points to reforms including a three step approvals process.
- On Boxer, it "agrees with the Committee on the desirability of acceleration" and is "intending to accelerate and enhance the programme", to deliver full operational capability by 2030.
- On Challenger 2, it says the Life Extension Project offers better value for money than off-the-shelf alternatives, and that an auto-loader was "considered and dismissed early" on capability and technical feasibility grounds.
- On the Warrior upgrade, it states that a decision "has now been taken as part of the Integrated Review to no longer upgrade Warrior".