UK Defence Select Committee relaunches industrial policy inquiry
The UK Parliament’s Defence Select Committee has relaunched its Defence Industrial Policy: Procurement and Prosperity Inquiry, which began in the last parliament.
The inquiry will assess the tension between competition and strategic choice, as well as deciding whether a new procurement strategy is needed as part of a wider Integrated Review.
Tobias Ellwood, Chair of the Defence Committee said: ‘Procurement and Prosperity’ will explore fundamental questions around the wider role of defence as a major contributor to the UK economy and will ask how to ensure that the UK defence industry remains a valuable economic and strategic asset.’
The committee is receiving new evidence which must be submitted before 23 April.
More from Defence Notes
-
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.