7
Accepted
We do not want to see the Army forced to ensure a lengthy capability gap...
Recommendation
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 for purpose and will remain so until Challenger 2 LEP reaches Full Operating Capability (assuming this project is approved later in 2021).
Government Response Summary
The government confirms that while Challenger 2 requires modernisation, the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project (CR2 LEP) has been approved, and the Army is committed to ensuring its smooth and timely delivery. Detailed plans are now under development for the transition to Challenger 3 to ensure future capabilities are fit for purpose.
Paragraph Reference
39
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
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. The CR2 LEP has recently been approved and the Army is committed to ensuring that the project runs smoothly and on time, and potentially even brought forward. Following the Integrated Review and CR2 LEP approval the detailed plans for transition from CR2 to Challenger 3 (CR3) are now under development to ensure that the Army can meet current and future outputs with capabilities that are fit for purpose. 3 Based on Australian experience of additional pan Defence Line Of Development costs of procuring Abrams – Australian NAO report: Acquisition of the ABRAMS Main Battle Tank Dated 17 July 2007. 4 Through the MOD’s Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC) and Investment Appraisals Committee 5 On behalf of the IPA and HMT
Source
Committee
Defence Committee
Report
Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability
14 Mar 2021
HC 659
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Defence
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.4 yrs
Report published
14 Mar 2021