Army Equipment 2020-03-16
2020-03-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Army conducts annual assessments to ensure adequate equipment for future needs, including major projects like Ajax and Boxer vehicles.
If the range and capability of our battle tanks and armoured vehicles are inferior to that of potential adversaries, it is difficult for world-class armed forces to continue operating in that sphere. Will the Minister assure the House that the Challenger 2 and Warrior programmes will be brought forward at the earliest possible opportunity?
We need the very best equipment for our armed forces. The Army has nine key projects for equipment modernisation totalling £17 billion over ten years, including assessment phase advances for Challenger 2 and demonstration phase progress for Warrior.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The National Audit Office reports a potential funding shortfall of £13 billion, which affects Army, Navy and RAF equipment.
Given the third time that the NAO has deemed the plan unaffordable, when will the Minister get to grips with this funding crisis?
We are getting to grips with it right now. The Department hit budget this year and last year, we constantly review budgets, have shrunk the gap significantly and had additional assistance from the Treasury.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Reports suggest Army facing further cuts in the integrated review.
Can the Minister guarantee that the integrated review will not be another cost-cutting exercise, leaving armed forces short of needed equipment?
The integrated review is important and we need to take firm decisions at pace. It looks at our place in the world and how we operate, not just cut costs but ensure effective equipment.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The Defence Committee visited Army HQ in Andover, discussing issues like Warrior and Challenger. The Minister mentioned the integrated review.
Given the visit to Army HQ and efforts to tackle the coronavirus, may I invite Ministers to delay the integrated review until the new year?
The integrated review is important and we need to take firm decisions at pace. However, events will obviously be considered if necessary.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
A visit to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, part of the Boxer contract consortium.
Does the Minister think Shropshire defence manufacturing will feature in his decision making on Challenger 2? Will the main decision gate still be this autumn?
We are mindful of extraordinary skills in the constituency, and visited many apprentices. We are in assessment phase for Challenger 2, with a future date decision on next steps.
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