Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 129
129
Accepted
DCP23 concluded Ukraine lessons demand faster acquisition, industry partnership, and quicker deployment of platforms.
Conclusion
Shortly after our Report was published, the DCP23 was produced by the Government. It announced that key lessons from Ukraine had resulted in the following conclusions: • The pace of battlefield innovation means that decades-long acquisition programmes and upgrades are no longer suitable—instead simpler platforms which can be upgraded at speed (and by a range of companies, rather than just the original prime contractor) are required; • Defence must partner with industry, sharing both advances in technology and the risk in exploiting them in recognition of the key role which the industrial base plays in UK national security; 259 ADS (DES0021) 260 Defence Committee, Ninth Report of Session 2022–23, It is broke — and it’s time to fix it The UK’s defence procurement system, HC 1099 261 Oral evidence taken on 15 November 2023, HC (2023–24) 52, Q51 262 Q463–6 Ready for War? 49 • Time is key—platforms must be accepted at ‘good enough’ so that they can be deployed at pace. The MOD therefore committed to forging a new alliance with industry to create an environment that “generates a shared sense of national endeavour”.263
Government Response Summary
The government highlighted its new Integrated Procurement Model and transformed partnership with industry, which aligns with the DCP23 conclusions by focusing on earlier expert assurance, driving pace through spiral development, and creating a resilient industrial base.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
This is highlighted in the new Integrated Procurement Model–a system that will see earlier expert assurance of future military programmes to ensure they will deliver for UK forces on the frontline. The reforms will look to avoid previous challenges where programmes have been over-complex, over-budget, and over time. The reforms will see greater empowerment of subject matter experts across the defence enterprise including Dstl scientists, government export leads, finance experts and industry partners to challenge and shape proposals before they receive the go-ahead. Driving pace is key to the overall reforms and the concept of ‘spiral’ development will be at the forefront as new programmes are initiated, avoiding capabilities that are not adaptable to the changing environment or are overly complex and too bespoke to export. Our transformed partnership with industry, where we will engage much earlier in strategic conversations to create a more resilient, reliable, and adaptable industrial base. This will not only bolster UK industry and diplomatic influence, but also helps sustain Ukraine in the fight in 2024 and develops its economy beyond.