9
Acknowledged
The Department has been slow to implement the capabilities set out in the March 2021...
Conclusion
The Department has been slow to implement the capabilities set out in the March 2021 Integrated Review, several of which it has not fully funded despite publishing two Equipment Plan reports since then.23 Furthermore, as part of the Integrated Review, the Department set aside £6.6 billion from 2021–22 to 2024–25 for research and development. This is already generating ideas to address future threats, including the accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence and next-generation Directed Energy Weapons. However, the £4.4 billion set aside to exploit this investment, and turn these ideas into capabilities, is only available from 2025–26.24 Delivering enhanced capabilities
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation and commits to providing updates on its plans for the Integrated Review Refresh and equipment plan by Summer/Winter 2023, while continuing to develop its strategy with HM Treasury.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2023 (Defence Command Paper Update) and Winter 2023 (update to the Committee) 2.2 The department has worked with HM Treasury to set out the implications of the Defence Command Paper Refresh including any specific commitments ahead of its publication. The department will continue to work with HM Treasury as it continues to develop its plans in response to the priorities set out in the Integrated Review Refresh. 2.3 The details of the implications for the equipment plan will be explained in the next update to the committee.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
MoD Equipment Plan 2022-2032
Report
Forty-Eighth Report - MoD Equipment Plan 2022–2032
19 Apr 2023
HC 731
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.3 yrs
Report published
19 Apr 2023