Major defence reforms launched, with new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry
25 October 2024
The UK has launched a major package of defence reforms, including the creation of a new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry.
The reforms were announced by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace in a speech to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Wallace said that the current system for procuring defence equipment was “not fit for purpose” and that the new reforms would “make it more efficient, effective and accountable”.
The new National Armaments Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of defence procurement, from strategy to delivery. They will also work with industry to develop new technologies and capabilities.
Wallace said that the new reforms would “help us to get the best possible value for money from our defence spending and to ensure that our Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep us safe”.
The reforms have been welcomed by industry. The Defence Industries Council (DIC) said that the new reforms would “create a more level playing field for businesses and help to boost the UK’s defence industry”.
The DIC also said that the new National Armaments Director would “provide much-needed leadership and coordination in the defence procurement process”.
The reforms are part of a wider effort to modernize the UK’s defence capabilities. The government has also announced plans to increase defence spending by £24 billion over the next four years.
The UK is facing a number of security challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the rise of China. The government says that the new reforms will help the UK to meet these challenges and to protect its national security.
Additional information
The National Armaments Director will be a senior civil servant, reporting to the Defence Secretary. They will be supported by a team of experts from across government and industry.
The National Armaments Director will work closely with the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation, which is responsible for the procurement and support of defence equipment.
The reforms will also see the creation of a new Defence Procurement Board, which will be chaired by the National Armaments Director. The board will be responsible for overseeing the defence procurement process and for making recommendations to the Defence Secretary.
The government says that the new reforms will be implemented over the next two years.
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