Defence Industrial Strategy - SBAC Response

The publication of Defence Industrial Strategy today (15) is an important development in the long-term relationship between Government, industry and the armed forces. It sets out the MOD’s future systems requirements, specifies those which must be retained in the UK for national security reasons and identifies the steps necessary to retain those industrial capabilities. This will include significant changes to acquisition processes and practices.

Commenting on the strategy document SBAC, Director General, Dr Sally Howes said, ‘SBAC welcomes the joint commitment of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and the Treasury to the strategy. Industry has had the opportunity to contribute to the MOD’s thinking and will now expect a continuing involvement in its implementation.’


‘Ensuring the UK armed forces have the equipment and support they need is industry’s top priority. We hope the Defence Industrial Strategy will lead to a re-assessment of MOD acquisition policies and look forward to the more open and transparent relationship between MOD and industry outlined in the strategy.’

‘SBAC is encouraged by MOD’s commitment to through life capability management and its willingness to adopt new procurement models to secure better value for money. The Government’s recognition that a healthy defence sector needs to be profitable is particularly welcome.’

The defence industry is an important part of the UK economy, employing more than 305,000 high value and highly skilled people. The UK has one of the most open and competitive defence markets in the world and is the most successful exporter of defence equipment outside the USA.


Contact:
Paul Everitt, Communications Director, SBAC
Tel: 020 7227 1021 / paul.everitt@sbac.co.uk

Source : SBAC