The policy will set out the needs of the UK armed forces for the long-run in terms of industrial requirements onshore in the UK, which will in turn seek to guide UK-based industry investment to meet these needs.
Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said: “October's Strategic Defence and Security Review went some way towards providing clarity to the defence industry around the Government's long-term plans for our armed forces, the people that our sector takes great pride in supporting.
“Today's Equipment, Support and Technology for UK Defence and Security: A Consultation Paper goes a step further and this will help industry - from large multinationals to small and medium sized businesses - engage fully with the MoD, the Home Office and Government more widely in order to identify what the Government requires of Industry to support our Armed Forces and as a major contributor to wealth creation in this country.
“We also welcome that the consultation addresses both defence and security. There are clear benefits in considering defence and security together, particularly where sustained R&T investment could support both sectors. But we should not underestimate the major differences between the two markets, in both customers and suppliers. Security will need increasing co-ordination between the many departments, agencies, and the private sector owner-operators of key infrastructure. In such a diverse market, characterised by public and private purchases, issues such as standards and regulation will be of key importance.
“A|D|S looks forward to leading the industry's efforts in responding to this consultation and working with the Government and the newly appointed Chief of Defence Materiel, Bernard Gray for the long-term benefit for our troops, our economy and our national security.”
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