Tobias Ellwood writes to MoD following publication of AFV Government response

• Read the Government's response | PDF version
• Letter from the Chair of the Defence Committee, to the Minister for Defence Procurement, 21 May 2021
• Inquiry: Progress in delivering the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability
• Defence Committee

The letter (attached) states that the Committee is ‘not entirely reassured by the response’ and the Committee is requesting further information and updates on various programmes:

The Committee asks:

1. How will you address the gap in Air Defence and Tube Artillery capability pending the successful execution of the programmes mentioned in your response?
   
   
2. What are the key risks in the MIV, Challenger 3 and LETacCIS programmes and how are they being addressed with the relevant contractors?
   
   
3. Will the WCSP/IFV capability be fulfilled by an alternative? If so, when will that alternative be defined?

The Committee requests briefing notes and six-monthly updates on:

• Challenger 3
• LETacCIS
• Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV)
• The Close Support Fires Programme, and the Land Deep Fires Programme (LDFP)
• Land Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD)
• Implementation of the Land Industrial Strategy

Chair's comments

Chair of the Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood MP, said:

“Unfortunately, the Ministry of Defence’s response and poor track record has done little to reassure us. There is significant work ahead for the Department in order to undo the damage of the last few decades.

“The Defence Committee will continue its scrutiny of this area and has asked for regular updates. If our Forces are to feel confident entering into conflict they must be provided with the most up-to-date equipment. Not to do so only puts lives at risk.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: MoD