Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 29
Recent reports have highlighted the purchase of second-hand Chinese equipment by the Ministry of Defence.
Conclusion
Recent reports have highlighted the purchase of second-hand Chinese equipment by the Ministry of Defence. This is deeply concerning. The purchase of equipment from China for use by the Armed Forces should not be considered a viable option by the Ministry of Defence.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the Committee’s concerns regarding the importance of our acquisition strategies and supply chains for defence equipment, including associated security considerations. However, it is not correct to state that the acquisition of two airframes for the E-7 Wedgetail programme involves the purchase of “second-hand Fifth Special Report of Session 2019–21 5 Chinese equipment”. These aircraft were manufactured by Boeing in the United States. They were sourced by Boeing through the open market by a broker in Canada, having been previously used in a VIP transport role. The use of previously owned airframes provides a cost and schedule benefit to the programme against new airframes from the capability to Defence. The airframes will be subject to comprehensive overhaul and stringent security checks as part of the extensive modification process.