§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 22 March,Official Report, column 174, what factors contributed to his decision to place an order for Challenger 2 as the replacement for the remaining two regiments of Chieftain tanks; and what effect his decision had on the operational capabilities of British armed forces.
§ Mr. AitkenAs the then Minister of State for Defence Procurement made clear in announcing the decision on 21 June 1991, a large number of factors were taken into account in deciding to procure Challenger 2 as Chieftain replacement. These included technical merit, risk, contract conditions, time scale, cost, the balance of interoperability considerations, stretch potential, logistical implications, employment and overseas sales. The advantage of maintaining a single ammunition type across the smaller post-"Options" tank fleet was an important consideration.
As was also made clear, following the introduction into service of Challenger 2, the Army's tank fleet will be well placed to meet its commitments.