Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Paragraph: 72
While we welcome the ongoing efforts to modernise the fleet, new vehicles will only trickle...
Conclusion
While we welcome the ongoing efforts to modernise the fleet, new vehicles will only trickle into service over the next four years, and it seems unlikely that they will do so in sufficient numbers to make a material difference by 2025. For example, the Ministry of Defence does not expect to contract for the upgrade of Challenger 2 until later this year (assuming the Integrated Review concludes that heavy armour should be retained). Given the recent history of UK armoured vehicle programmes, it seems unlikely that enough upgraded vehicles will have been completed, tested and brought into service within four years.
Paragraph Reference:
72
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
With the Full Business Case for CR2 LEP now approved and a contract awarded, a joint effort between RBSL and the MOD is investigating ways in which the current delivery timeline can be accelerated. Work is also ongoing on accelerating Boxer. This will be passed through Departmental scrutiny to ensure that any additional cost in creating additional industrial capacity is affordable and delivers value for money. These findings are due to report back to the Secretary of State with a view to submitting a formal adjustment via a Review Note before the end of 2021.