Chapter ยท 13:46-14:39

Whole-capability costs and procurement churn

Training, spares and transport are necessary capability costs; repeatedly shifting political or Treasury timetables adds a separate expense.

Notes

A working military capability requires training, spare parts and support equipment as well as the vehicles themselves. Ajax illustrates the need for trailers that can move vehicles faster on roads while reducing engine wear and road damage. These are necessary purchases, so their inclusion does not by itself explain avoidable cost increases. The criticism targets the extra expense of fitting programmes to political or Treasury timetables and repeatedly changing those decisions.