‘Deplorable’ AFV programmes leave British Army at risk from peer adversaries, Defence Committee warns
Released just before the first part of the Integrated Review is unveiled on 16 March, the latest House of Commons Defence Committee report highlighted obsolescence in the British Army armoured vehicle fleet and warned that the service is at serious risk of being outmatched by its most challenging peer adversaries.
The House of Commons Defence Committee warned in a 14 March report that the British Army is at serious risk of being outmatched by peer adversaries due to its ageing fleet of ground vehicles.
Titled ‘Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability’, the document claimed that, in a fight against Russia in the next few years, UK soldiers would be forced to operate platforms that are 30 or more years old, which would be ‘very heavily outgunned’ with ‘poor mechanical reliability.’
Although future British Army capabilities will be defined by the Integrated Review (IR) of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)]()
How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)
Roman Köhne, CEO of Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition Division, discusses the company's announcements at Eurosatory 2026, including developments in defence technology, precision systems, industrial partnerships and future capability programmes.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
