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Defence Procurement

I have given way on the point and will not give way again. Our armed forces are among the most capable in the world. Improvements in technology, innovation, sustained growth in defence spending, and regular adjustments to our doctrine, structures and training mean that they are well able to meet the tasks that face them. There have been difficulties with some aspects of our procurement. Developing and producing high-quality, battle-winning equipment at the forefront of technology for use in demanding but unspecified operational conditions many years into the future is never going to be easy. When things go wrong, we must acknowledge that and strive to put them right. Fundamentally, however, the equipment that our forces now have and the way that it is supported is a success story. We can perform far more tasks at greater range and with greater precision than before. That is not just my view; it is the opinion that I have heard from commanders in theatre and the opinion of the joint chiefs of staff. As I said at the outset, we owe the men and women of our armed forces a great debt. The Government are committed to ensuring that they continue to receive the equipment and the support that they need for operational success. We will do that now and in the future.