Fifth report: Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability

The government provides background on past delays and outlines how many lessons from 2011 have already been implemented through new acquisition systems, the Army Operating Model, and DE&S transformation, leading to improved procurement approaches.

The government states that Defence acquisition has improved, implementing previous observations by trading requirements and pursuing off-the-shelf solutions, and is committed to more realistic performance, cost, and time requirements. The Land Industrial Strategy will adopt a longer-term procurement approach with incremental technology insertion.

The government notes the committee's comments and acknowledges past challenges, stating its approach has significantly evolved over the past decade with improved management and a new three-step approvals process, which the NAO has recognized as making progress.

The government notes the committee's concerns about staff capacity, stating that DE&S has undergone significant transformation focusing on skills, functional management, and professional qualifications, and is committed to continued growth, recruitment, and retention of optimal skills. It acknowledges headcount pressures as a challenge.

The government disputes the premise of no new armoured vehicles, listing several programs delivered, but confirms that the NAO has already acted on the committee's recommendation to conduct a study into AFV procurement, which the Department will fully support.

The government confirms that off-the-shelf alternatives were considered and explains why the CR2 LEP was chosen as a better value solution. It provides a detailed timetable for the CR2 LEP programme up to 2031 and explains that the auto-loader option was dismissed on capability and technical grounds.

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.

The government notes the committee’s concerns regarding the Warrior CSP's failures, attributing them to technical challenges. It states that the Warrior upgrade has been cancelled as part of the Integrated Review and that a programme of acquisition reform, with new systems for lesson identification and checks and balances, is addressing these issues for future programmes.

The government agrees on the need for transparency and explains the higher cost of the 40mm ammunition reflects increased capability, with overall costs reduced through increased effectiveness and cooperation with France. It confirms that a Full Business Case in 2019 outlined the estimated whole life costs for 40mm ammunition, subject to internal independent assurance.

The government has decided to no longer upgrade Warrior, instead accelerating the Boxer programme to become the primary mechanised infantry platform for the Army by 2030, as part of the 'Future Soldier' transformation.

The government acknowledged concerns about AJAX delivery delays, explaining that technical challenges related to digitisation, system complexity, and 40mm weapon integration are being collaboratively addressed with the Prime Contractor.

The government denies that the 40mm cannon contributed to AJAX delays but justifies its selection based on superior lethality and advanced ammunition capabilities, stating it was approved by HMT, IAB, and the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support in March 2008.

The government states that Ajax issues are being addressed and learning is informing improved approaches. However, it explicitly states there are no current plans for an Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant of AJAX and does not explain how the IFV role would be fulfilled if the Warrior programme does not proceed.

The government defended the continued use of the FV430 series, stating that analysis for its replacement (ASV) will be completed to identify future requirements which *may* deliver an earlier Out of Service Date, and provided an update on the 'digital spine' through the MSI project and LOSA.

The government agrees on the desirability of accelerating Boxer procurement, stating the MOD intends to accelerate and enhance the programme to deliver full operational capability by 2030. It confirms the programme will learn lessons from previous failures and plans for iterative upgrades throughout Boxer's life, avoiding additional requirements during initial delivery.

The government fully supports commonality and modularity, outlining that the Land Equipment Platform Strategy will reduce platform types and the Army has adopted LOSA and Generic Vehicle Architecture. It details how modularity will be achieved through 'Through Life Capability Management Plans,' Installation Provision Made in Design, and robust mission system architecture, with work ongoing to ensure compatibility with allies.

The government states that the 2015 SDSR ambitions faced challenges due to pressure on the modernisation program. It claims to have learned from this, fully resourcing the recent Integrated Review with £24 billion in additional funding, but does not provide the detailed explanation of specific shortfalls, their identification, or rectification timelines as requested.

The government acknowledges the concern about delivery timelines and states that with the CR2 LEP approved, a joint effort is investigating ways to accelerate its delivery and that work is ongoing to accelerate Boxer. Findings are due to the Secretary of State by the end of 2021 for formal adjustment.

The government dismisses the premise of a direct divisional artillery duel with Russia. However, it details significant investments including £800 million for the Mobile Fires Platform, upgrades to the MLRS, and collaborative development of extended-range missiles to enhance artillery capabilities.

The government agrees this is a top priority and outlines specific programmes to address shortfalls, including the Land Ground-Based Air Defence Programme for air and anti-drone capabilities, with the Counter-Small-UAS project adding mass from 2023. For artillery, it details the Mobile Fires Platform and Tracked General Munitions Indirect programmes, which aim to future-proof indirect fires capability.

The government acknowledges the concept of overmatch but asserts it is not simply quantity versus quantity, outlining its modernization program to ensure the Army can overmatch adversaries across the battlespace and deal with new threats.

The government states that the Integrated Review will radically transform the Army, committing to significant investments including c£1.3 billion for Challenger 3 upgrades, accelerated Boxer procurement, a new ground-based air defence system, and substantial funding for GMLRS, Mobile Fires Platform, and electronic warfare.

The government acknowledged the need for Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) and outlined programmes to deliver SHORAD/MRAD capabilities from 2026, a Counter-small UAS capability by 2023, and anti-tank missile capability through the Battle Group Organic Anti-Armour (BGOAA) programme.

The government states its current modernisation programme aims to create an advanced fleet that will adapt to emerging threats through iterative enhancements and upgrades, aligning with the committee's recommendation. It emphasizes focused R&D with allies and the Land Industrial Strategy's goal of iteratively upgrading capabilities when technology is mature.

The government describes the ongoing LETacCIS program as the digital backbone, detailing recently achieved milestones and future competitions. It outlines the "Evolutionary Capability Delivery" principle to rapidly field new technology and respond to threats, aiming to avoid obsolescence through modular upgrades and optimized approval processes.

The government commits to developing and introducing a Land Industrial Strategy, acknowledging its importance and stating it will envision an innovative, globally competitive segment. It confirms that co-operation with allies in the Land Domain will be a central theme of the strategy.

The government states its Future Ground Combat System is in concept phase and will replace capability around 2040. The UK has observer status in the Franco-German MGCS program and is discussing requirements with the US, indicating no clear decision on participation has been made yet.

The government welcomes and agrees with the recommendation, explaining that the Land Industrial Strategy will foster a greater partnership with industry and provide a sustainable work pipeline. A Land Capability Campaigns Office has also been established under UK Defence and Security Exports to coordinate export campaigns across government and industry, aligning with the call to map out the sector's future.

The government acknowledges past issues but highlights a focus on urgent operational requirements. It states the Integrated Review and 'Future Soldier' plan will radically transform the Army, committing to equipping two Heavy Brigade Combat Teams with Ajax, Challenger 3, and Boxer vehicles, accelerating the Boxer program to full operational capability by 2030.

The government agrees that the UK's technical advantage has diminished and acknowledges the need for evolution, stating the current AFV fleet remains fit for purpose against the most likely threats. It describes ongoing modernization programs and investment in R&D to counter long-range fires and develop future capabilities.