§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will ensure that the requirement for armoured battle group support vehicles will be met by UK companies and that the vehicles will be built in the UK; and if he will make a statement; [122387]
(2) what is the cost of meeting the requirement for armoured battlegroup support vehicles; when this requirement will be met; and if he will make a statement. [122385]
§ Dr. MoonieWe require in total about 1,000 vehicles to provide armoured support to the front line, the majority of which will be Armoured Battlegroup Support Vehicle. Deliveries are planned to begin by the end of the decade. The programme is currently at the concept stage and initial estimates indicate an acquisition cost of around £1.5 billion including early years of in-service support.
The procurement strategy has yet to be finalised, but will be based on achieving best value for money for the tax payer. The MOD has a policy of open international competition whenever this is possible. However, all procurement options will be investigated taking account of security of supply, UK technological capabilities and the benefits to the MOD of potential exports.