Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Thursday, 18 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 July 2002. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 July 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures are being undertaken to ensure that Britain's military forces undergo modernisation and have the latest technology available.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are being undertaken to ensure that Britain's military forces undergo modernisation and have the latest technology available. [72540] Mr. Hoon: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set in hand a programme of equipment modernisation to ensure that our forces are fully able to meet future challenges. Those conclusions remain valid. But operations in Afghanistan, and work on the SDR New Chapter, have recently demonstrated that our forces will require the controlled, precise and rapid delivery of military effect--particularly through what is called `network-centric capability', bringing together sensors and strike assets. The increase in the defence budget as a result of SR2002 will enable us to make investment necessary to acquire these sorts of capabilities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 389 c907W; 72540
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Armed forces Defence equipment Procurement Modernisation Technology Defence Review
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk