Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:01:21-4:02:07

Vickers export sales and a tank delivered without its engine

A question about Vickers sales expertise produces an anecdote about an engine-less tank sent to a Nigerian competition.

Arms ExportsDefence ProcurementNigeriaVickers Mbt
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Question

Should MBDA recruit Vickers' former salespeople to improve international sales?

Short answer

The suggestion is dismissed, with the panel recalling a Vickers Mark 1 tank sent to Nigerian trials without its engine.

Notes

A suggestion that MBDA recruit Vickers' former salespeople leads to criticism of the firm's postwar sales record. The example recalled is a Nigerian tank competition in which a Vickers Mark 1 arrived for testing without its engine. This anecdote concerns the delivery of an export demonstrator, rather than a comparison of the tank's combat performance.