Although less than a surprise, the British delay to releasing an updated version of its Defense Industrial Strategy will nonetheless only increase industry concern over feared procurement cuts.
The DIS Version 2.0 – as it’s sometimes dubbed – was due for publication December 13. The recent resignation of Paul Drayson, the defense minister overseeing the effort, meant a delay was almost certain. His replacement as Minister for Defense Equipment and Support, Ann Taylor, confirmed the suspicion, November 21.
She told the British Parliament’s Defense Committee that DIS2 needed “further consideration”. She added: “I think we need to make sure anything we publish on the DIS dovetails-in with decisions we are taking on the planning round. I think it would be foolish to make a statement on the 13th… in advance of the work that is going on.”
For some this comment will merely reinforce the notion one element contributing to Drayson’s departure was the growing disparity between his ambitions for DIS2, and the budget the government was willing to make available.
Paul Drayson (right) while still in post.
Picture credit Crown Copyright
Certainly the public statement that he was taking a leave of absence to pursue his motor-racing ambitions has been met with scant belief.
There also remain claims of significant differences of opinion between Drayson, senior civil servants, and army procurement officers over the selection of the utility vehicle provider for the army’s Future Rapid Effects System. Drayson, some suggest, was pushing for a European solution - a view they claim is not supported by other senior officials.
