The Defence Industrial Strategy: Is the 'System' Ready?

1 Jun 2006

This section is aimed at stimulating debate on a subject of wide interest. In this
issue, we look at the UK’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, which places much
greater emphasis on partnering industry than on competition. Yet many years ago, competition became the preferred procurement strategy to reduce costs. Will the strategy be fully implemented, and will it cost money – or will procurement remain ‘business as usual’?

IS THE ‘SYSTEM’ READY FOR THE DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY?
by Paul Beaver

Paul Beaver is a defence consultant in Westminster. He thinks that the UK’s Minister
for Defence Procurement has made a good start with his Defence Industrial Strategy, but he questions whether the ‘system’ is ready for far-reaching changes.

THE MULTIPLE CRISES AFFLICTING UK DEFENCE EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION
by Professor David Kirkpatrick

David Kirkpatrick is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute. He identifies four crises afflicting defence equipment acquisition in the UK and argues
that the Defence Industrial Strategy is the start of the MoD’s response to multiple
challenges to the UK’s sovereignty and prosperity.

BUSINESS AS USUAL?
by Lewis Page

Lewis Page is a retired naval officer and the author of Lions, Donkeys and Dinosaurs, which was reviewed in the Winter/Spring edition of RUSI Defence Systems. He queries
whether the Defence Industrial Strategy is really about ‘appropriate sovereignty’.

INCHING TOWARDS THE BEST KIT
by Antonia Feuchtwanger

Antonia Feuchtwanger is a leader writer for London’s Evening Standard and author of
The Best Kit. She believes that the Defence Industrial Strategy gives taxpayers a little
to celebrate … for the moment.

THE LOCAL IMPACT OF DEFENCE INVESTMENT
by the Right Honourable John Spellar MP

John Spellar was the UK’s Minister of State for the Armed Forces from 1999 to 2001 with responsibility for the introduction of Smart Acquisition. He welcomes the Defence
Industrial Strategy, but warns that greater sensitivity to local perceptions of the Armed Forces is required when investment decisions are made.

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