Interview with Right Honourable James Arbuthnot, Chairman of the Defence Select Committee

Right Honourable James Arbuthnot, Chairman of the UK's Defence Select Committee recently described the UK MoD's Equipment Plan as "unrealistic" and "a conspiracy of optimism".  

In an interview with Defence IQ, Rt. Hon. Arbuthnot was asked to share his thoughts on the UK's Equipment Plan. He expressed the view that the Ministry of Defence and defence industry need to be more realistic about timeframes and costs to ensure the right equipment is procured and delivered to troops on time.
Following the recent release of the Bernard Grey report, Rt. Hon. Arbuthnot also highlighted some key areas critical to equipment procurement for the UK, whether a new government is elected or not. These include an independent audit of the Equipment Plan, a regular Strategic Defence Review and a rolling 10 year budget. However, the key message was definitely one of planning. 

The vast number of Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) that have resulted in equipment being procurement for operations in Afghanistan highlight the need for the Ministry of Defence to be prepared for defence activities. Rt. Hon. Arbuthnot said that eight years in Afghanistan should factor into long term planning, but yet the move away from this process of procurement does not seem to be one in near sight.

To watch the full interview, please click here.