Repeated changes of requirements can prevent a vehicle programme from delivering equipment, even when each incoming leader wants the best available technology. British Army procurement provides the modern comparison: Boxer was rejected and later adopted, while Ajax brought further difficulties. The criticism is that successive senior officers repeatedly changed priorities to put their stamp on the programmes. Dacres's approach to ironclads illustrates the value of keeping ships such as Warrior and Black Prince coming into the fleet, learning how they operate, and using that experience when developing the next generation.
Notable Point · 2:51:33-2:53:42
Boxer and Ajax illustrate the cost of procurement churn
A modern Army comparison shows why repeated requirement changes can delay delivery, even when each new leader wants better technology.