Progress in delivering the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability

Defence Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 16 Jul 2020 Closed: 9 Jul 2021 Parliament page
This inquiry will focus on the procurement and use of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and whether more must be done to ensure the Army’s ability to deploy an armoured division. It will assess how the Army envisages employing AFVs in future operations. This inquiry will: examine the procurement of AFVs, … Read more
3 Recommendations
27 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
21 May
2021
Report published
21 May
2021
Correspondence
14 Mar
2021
Report published
3 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
3 Nov
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Macmillan Room, Portcullis House
20 Oct
2020
Oral evidence
20 Oct
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Macmillan Room, Portcullis House
6 Oct
2020
Oral evidence
6 Oct
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Macmillan Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
3 Nov 2020
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Brigadier (ret) Ben Barry · International Institute for Strategic Studies
20 Oct 2020
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Air Marshal Richard Knighton CB · Ministry of Defence Jeremy Quin MP · Ministry of Defence Lieutenant General Christopher Tickell CBE · Ministry of Defence Mr Chris Bushell · Ministry of Defence
6 Oct 2020
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Carew Wilks · General Dynamics Land Systems-UK Francis Tusa · Defence Analysis Lee Fellows · Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill Nicholas Drummond · Aura Consulting Ltd. Peter Hardisty · Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL)
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armo… HC 659 14 Mar 2021 30 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
30 results
1 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
Even in the sorry recent history of the Army’s attempts to procure Armoured Fighting Vehicles,...
Even in the sorry recent history of the Army’s attempts to procure Armoured Fighting Vehicles, MRAV—now Boxer—stands out as a stark example of how shifting priorities and indecision about requirements lead to increased costs and failure to deliver new capabilities. Read more
Government Response
By way of background, the broad and demanding requirement of Future Rapid Effects System (FRES), that included Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), could not easily be met. In addition, other factors … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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2 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
The Ministry of Defence and the Army embarked on a series of overly-ambitious procurement programmes...
The Ministry of Defence and the Army embarked on a series of overly-ambitious procurement programmes which were too reliant on the development of nascent technologies in order to deliver viable capabilities; within these programmes; and, there was a reluctance to … Read more
Government Response
The Army, DE&S and the MOD have continued to improve Defence acquisition. Many of the 2011 NAO “cost effective delivery of an armoured vehicle capability” observations and recommendations have been … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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3 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
Procurement practices and skills were frequently found wanting; in 2011 the NAO concluded that the...
Procurement practices and skills were frequently found wanting; in 2011 the NAO concluded that the failure to introduce any new vehicles since 1997 indicated that, “the Department’s standard acquisition processes for armoured vehicles was not working”. Subsequently the Committee of … Read more
Government Response
The Department notes the Committee’s comments and acknowledges that defence acquisition has faced challenges in the past, including within its Armoured Fighting Vehicle portfolio. Whilst defence acquisition remains inherently challenging … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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4 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We are concerned that the Ministry of Defence, and in particular Defence Equipment and Support...
We are concerned that the Ministry of Defence, and in particular Defence Equipment and Support may not have sufficient technically qualified staff and capacity to manage effectively the multiple armoured vehicle procurement and upgrade programmes that are currently underway. Given … Read more
Government Response
The Department notes the Committee’s comments and recognises the importance of skills and internal capability in future delivery of defence procurement and support. DE&S has undergone a significant transformation programme … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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5 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We are astonished that between 1997 and late 2020 (with the exception of a small...
We are astonished that between 1997 and late 2020 (with the exception of a small number of armoured engineering and Viking protected mobility vehicles) the Department had not delivered a single new armoured vehicle from the core procurement programme into … Read more
Government Response
Whilst modernisation and upgrading of existing, and entry into service of new Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) has taken far longer than originally intended, the Department’s focus on urgently procuring the … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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6 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We note that the Department’s recent experience of upgrading older vehicles with new weapons and...
We note that the Department’s recent experience of upgrading older vehicles with new weapons and turrets has been difficult, resulting in additional costs and delays 54 Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability in delivering the required capability. … Read more
Government Response
CR2 Life Extension Project (LEP) considered a range of comparative off-the shelf alternatives as part of its recent Full Business Case submission. The underpinning logic on the grounds of affordability … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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7 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We do not want to see the Army forced to ensure a lengthy capability gap...
We do not want to see the Army forced to ensure a lengthy capability gap as a consequence of emergent technical and integration issues. The Department should confirm to us that the UK’s main battle tank capability is currently fit … Read more
Government Response
CR2 has been in service for over 20 years and requires modernisation to ensure that it can meet its operational requirements which is why the Army initiated the CR2 LEP. … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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8 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
Despite having spent around 50% of the allocated budget (£800 million), the programme has yet...
Despite having spent around 50% of the allocated budget (£800 million), the programme has yet to place a manufacturing contract. The programme has a current in-service date of 2024 (originally planned for 2017) and is some £227 million over budget. … Read more
Government Response
The Department notes the Committee’s concerns about historical progress on the Warrior Capability Sustainment Project (CSP). The drivers of cost growth and schedule delay related primarily to the technical and … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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9 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
The Ministry, which mandated this weapons system, should therefore now be fully transparent about the...
The Ministry, which mandated this weapons system, should therefore now be fully transparent about the cost of this new, highly specialised ammunition and its implications for the full life-cycle costs of the vehicle (and indeed for Ajax, which utilises the … Read more
Government Response
The Department is committed to this weapons system and agrees with the Committee for the need for accountability and transparency on the programme. The higher cost of the 40mm ammunition … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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10 Recommendation
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We note the significant delay and expenditure on the continuation of the Warrior CSP and...
We note the significant delay and expenditure on the continuation of the Warrior CSP and that, after nine years and over £400 million in sunk costs, the Department has still to decide on the placement of a production contract. We … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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11 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
The first vehicles were originally due to be delivered to the British Army in April...
The first vehicles were originally due to be delivered to the British Army in April 2017, however this was delayed. In May 2020 it emerged that the delivery of the first batch of Ajax vehicles was to be delayed further … Read more
Government Response
The Department notes the Committee’s comments and appreciates their concerns about delays in delivery of this capability to the front line. AJAX represents the first major procurement of an Armoured … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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12 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
The Ajax programme, which is now also seriously delayed, is yet another example of chronic...
The Ajax programme, which is now also seriously delayed, is yet another example of chronic mismanagement by the Ministry of Defence and its shaky procurement apparatus. This is particularly worrying, as Ajax is fundamental to the establishment and deployment of … Read more
Government Response
There is no suggestion that the weapons system has contributed to the delays on AJAX and we remain committed to it. While there are alternatives to the 40mm cannon, they … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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13 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We note that difficulties with the Ajax programme have again arisen in part as a...
We note that difficulties with the Ajax programme have again arisen in part as a consequence of the Army’s desire to develop a bespoke vehicle capability (albeit one based on an existing but modified ASCOD 2 hull), with a plethora … Read more
Government Response
originally envisaged as the first next generation modern, digital AFV. As in any complex acquisition there are several risks and challenges that materialise in the demonstration and pre-production phases which … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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14 Recommendation
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We recognise that the Army must prioritise its equipment spending to specific areas of capability,...
We recognise that the Army must prioritise its equipment spending to specific areas of capability, but consider it unacceptable that the replacement of the FV430 series may not be in service until the 2030s, meaning that this vehicle will have … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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15 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We welcome the decision to procure the Boxer armoured vehicle for the British Army, albeit...
We welcome the decision to procure the Boxer armoured vehicle for the British Army, albeit more than ten years later than would have been the case had the UK stayed in the original multi-national consortium. As part of the Integrated … Read more
Government Response
The Department agrees with the Committee on the desirability of acceleration of Boxer and whilst there have been financial constraints the MOD is intending to accelerate and enhance the programme, … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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16 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We believe that commonality of platforms and modularity of capability such as sensors and weapon...
We believe that commonality of platforms and modularity of capability such as sensors and weapon systems will be an essential element in maintaining an effective and capable Army. The Department should ensure that future decisions around procuring new vehicles give … Read more
Government Response
The Department fully supports the aspiration for commonality of platforms and modularity of capability where this is appropriate given the potential implications on cost and performance. This is something we … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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17 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We are alarmed by the revelation to this inquiry that a core aspect of the...
We are alarmed by the revelation to this inquiry that a core aspect of the plans set out in the 2015 SDSR will not be met. In its response to this Report the Ministry of Defence should provide a detailed … Read more
Government Response
Following SDSR 15 and subsequent planning round decisions, the modernisation programme was placed under increasing pressure, resulting in challenges to fully meet SDSR ambition. The Department has learnt from this … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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18 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
While we welcome the ongoing efforts to modernise the fleet, new vehicles will only trickle...
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 … Read more
Government Response
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 … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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19 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
An “artillery duel” between a modern British and Russian division would now only be likely...
An “artillery duel” between a modern British and Russian division would now only be likely to end one way—and not necessarily to the British Army’s advantage.
Government Response
It is inconceivable that the UK would engage in Divisional artillery duel with Russia. Not only would we be shoulder to shoulder with our NATO allies, the Army in a … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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20 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We share our witnesses’ concern that, considering recent experience in Ukraine and elsewhere, UK armoured...
We share our witnesses’ concern that, considering recent experience in Ukraine and elsewhere, UK armoured forces may find themselves at a serious disadvantage in terms of artillery capability and air defence when facing a peer adversary. The Ministry of Defence … Read more
Government Response
This area is indeed one of Defence’s top priorities. One of the Army’s four prioritised ‘sunrise capabilities,’ the Category ‘A’ Land Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Programme comprises Short-Range Air Defence … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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21 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
It is alarming that for at least the next several years UK armoured forces may...
It is alarming that for at least the next several years UK armoured forces may find themselves overmatched by their most challenging peer adversary. During the Cold War, the British Army and its NATO counterparts sought to offset the numerical … Read more
Government Response
Overmatch is not as simple as quantity versus quantity and the Department has articulated how the Land Component intends to ‘Operate’ and ‘Fight’ in the modern era. The aim is … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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22 Recommendation
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We share Brigadier Barry’s concern about the message that any reductions in the Army’s ability...
We share Brigadier Barry’s concern about the message that any reductions in the Army’s ability to conduct high-intensity warfighting in defence of NATO may send to both our allies and adversaries. Whatever the specific conclusions that emerge from the Integrated … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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23 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
The lack of a credible short-range air defence system for our land forces, especially in...
The lack of a credible short-range air defence system for our land forces, especially in light of the rapidly increasing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles, is of particular concern. We have already noted in Chapter 3 that the Army is … Read more
Government Response
There is an acknowledged pressing need for Defence to address GBAD. The Land GBAD Programme will deliver both SHORAD/MRAD capabilities from 2026, for which funding profiles are in place. Regarding … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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24 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We share the concerns of our witnesses and our predecessors.
We share the concerns of our witnesses and our predecessors. It appears that, as part of the Integrated Review, there is a risk that the Army’s current armoured capabilities (albeit in need of modernisation) are at risk of being denuded … Read more
Government Response
Our current AFV fleet remains broadly fit for purpose against the most likely threats but must be modernised to ensure they can deal with future threats. The current modernisation programme … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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25 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
The Department must ensure that Project Morpheus is adequately resourced with technically qualified staff to...
The Department must ensure that Project Morpheus is adequately resourced with technically qualified staff to facilitate coordination and integration with its current and planned armoured vehicle programmes. Based on the Department’s track record in the Land sector we are concerned … Read more
Government Response
The LETacCIS programme provides the digital backbone for the deployed force from individual soldier, through the vehicle platforms, right the way to Divisional and Corps HQs. This digital backbone consists … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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26 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We support the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to develop a Land Industrial Strategy.
We support the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to develop a Land Industrial Strategy. The LIS should place the land sector on an equal footing with the Air and Maritime sectors, providing industry with certainty for the coming decades and ensuring … Read more
Government Response
The Department will develop and introduce a Land Industrial Strategy and absolutely sees the benefits of doing so, noting the positive expenditure on the Maritime and Air domains. The new … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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27 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We agree that it is important the Ministry of Defence maximises the collaborative opportunities offered...
We agree that it is important the Ministry of Defence maximises the collaborative opportunities offered by the recent investments in the UK’s armoured vehicles sector. The Department should ensure that it leverages these advantages by making a clear decision about … Read more
Government Response
The Army’s Future Ground Combat System (FGCS) will replace the close combat capability from around 2040; the capability requirements are being informed by the most up to date threat assessments … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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28 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
We trust the creation of and adherence to the proposed Land Industrial Strategy will improve...
We trust the creation of and adherence to the proposed Land Industrial Strategy will improve the UK’s competitiveness in this sector. The Ministry of Defence, the British Army and their Industry counterparts must work together to map out the coming … Read more
Government Response
The Department welcomes and agrees with the Committee’s recommendation and recognises that successful procurement depends upon a positive and collaborative relationship with industry. The Army’s Armoured Fighting Vehicle modernisation programme, … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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29 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
This report reveals a woeful story of bureaucratic procrastination, military indecision, financial mismanagement and general...
This report reveals a woeful story of bureaucratic procrastination, military indecision, financial mismanagement and general ineptitude, which have continually bedevilled attempts to properly re-equip the British Army over the last two decades. Even on the MoD’s own current plans (but … Read more
Government Response
Whilst there is some truth that there has been a lack of emphasis on the core AFV programme, the Department’s pre-eminent focus on delivering large-scale, urgent operational requirements for the … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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30 Conclusion
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outg…
Were the British Army to have to fight a peer adversary—a euphemism for Russia— in...
Were the British Army to have to fight a peer adversary—a euphemism for Russia— in Eastern Europe in the next few years, whilst our soldiers would undoubtedly remain amongst the finest in the world, they would, disgracefully, be forced to … Read more
Government Response
. The Department agrees and acknowledges that the technical advantage of the UK over potential adversaries has diminished over the past two decades. The UK and other allies are now … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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Correspondence 1 letter
21 May 2021 Letter dated 21 May 2021 from the Chair to the Minister for Defence Procurement regarding the Government response to the Committee's report on procurement of Armoured Fighting Vehicles
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