MPs Fear MoD Budget For New Hardware At Risk

MPs have expressed doubts over the Ministry of Defence's ability to be able to afford the new military equipment it plans to buy.

In 2016, the government pledged to spend £178bn on new hardware including Type 26 frigates, mechanised infantry vehicles and maritime patrol aircraft over the next 10 years. But the plan rests on the MoD making savings of £14bn.

The Commons Defence Committee Chairman, Dr Julian Lewis, said this was now "extremely doubtful" from an "already stretched budget".

He added "This will inevitably lead either to a reduction in the numbers of ships, aircraft and vehicles or to even greater delays in their acquisition,"

The MoD said it was making "good progress" on its efficiency target.

Professor Trevor Taylor

Expert on defence acquisition, RUSI

Video: BAE Systems