Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:22:54-4:24:03

British rocket artillery and the cost of delayed spending

The M270-HIMARS question receives a budget explanation and a criticism of postponing equipment spending.

British ArmyDefence ProcurementRocket Artillery
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Question

Why had Britain not changed from M270 to M142 HIMARS, and did that reflect a judgement about HIMARS?

Short answer

Saving money is the reason offered, with an upgrade described as a possibility at the time.

Notes

Britain's retention of M270 is attributed here to saving money rather than a judgement that M142 HIMARS lacked capability. Delaying expenditure is criticized for risking higher costs later. A possible upgrade is mentioned as a prospect at the time of the recording, without a settled programme being described.