Armed Forces Equipment 2021-05-24
2021-05-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Defence Committee recently warned about the inadequacy of armed vehicles in a conflict with Russia, citing obsolescence and inferiority. The questioner represents constituencies with defence engineering companies.
What steps are being taken to ensure that the armed forces have up-to-date and high-quality equipment? This follows the Defence Committee's report indicating that our forces would be outmatched in a conflict with Russia, due to outdated vehicles. Given my constituency houses leading defence firms like David Brown, what is going wrong with our current defence capability as we reduce personnel numbers?
This Government will invest more than £85 billion over four years for armed forces equipment, including a commitment to invest at least £6.6 billion in research and development. The defence capability is being enhanced through contracts such as Ajax, Challenger 3, and Boxer; David Brown has won a multi-year power pack contract for the Boxer programme.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific concerns about obsolescence and inferiority of armed vehicles were not directly addressed with concrete timelines or actions to resolve them.
Welcoming The Hon. Gentleman
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Defence Committee warned that forces would be outgunned by Russia due to outdated vehicles, while personnel numbers are being reduced.
Given the recent report from the Defence Committee stating our armed forces would be obsolete in a conflict with Russia due to outdated vehicles and insufficient manpower, what specific issues are causing this deficiency and how is it impacting defence contractors like David Brown in my constituency?
Our armed forces' capability is being enhanced through significant investments such as Ajax, Challenger 3, and Boxer. David Brown has won a multi-year power pack contract for the Boxer programme. We are committed to developing a highly credible and capable force.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issues raised by the Defence Committee were not directly addressed with concrete actions or timelines.
Enhancement
Investment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The cancellation of the Warrior programme and delays in Ajax have raised concerns about when new armoured vehicles will be delivered to armed forces.
Given the cancellation of Warrior and delays with Ajax, can you provide a specific date by which our armed forces will receive the next generation of armoured vehicles?
Ajax is in its demonstration phase, with 14 original vehicles already acquired. Challenger 3 is committed to join the Army's lineup and Boxer contracts have been awarded, ensuring skilled jobs and future capabilities for our forces.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific date requested was not provided, instead a general overview of investments and commitments was given.
Historic Context
Debates
Response accuracy