We are concerned that the Department has not yet developed a supply chain that can reliably and quickly deliver the capabilities and stockpiles it needs. The Department has started to replenish stocks gifted to Ukraine, the cost of which HM Treasury will cover through the Reserve. It is also working with HM Treasury on a case-by-case basis to agree on a reasonable replacement when items are no longer in production or where the UK’s requirement has changed. However, the Department does not expect to replenish all depleted stocks, such as NLAW anti- tank weapons, for at least two years. The Department says that one important lesson from the Ukraine conflict has been the need to shift from its approach of buying batches of munitions to supporting continuous production lines which suppliers can ramp up when required. It says it has started to work with key UK suppliers to secure production lines, and the 2022 Autumn Statement provided an additional £560 million over the next two years to help support this. The Department is also discussing with NATO allies how to stimulate the wider supply chain to meet the alliance’s long-term needs. Recommendation 6: The Department should write to us alongside its Treasury Minute response setting out its progress in developing a plan with the wider defence industry to improve the scale and efficiency of its supply chain. 8 MoD Equipment Plan 2022–2032 1 The Equipment Plan in a more volatile world