Letter from the Minister for Defence Procurement
(23 January 2003)
LIGHT FORCES' ANTI-TANK GUIDED WEAPON SYSTEM
(LF ATGWS) MANUFACTURE AND SUPPORT DECISION
I have today announced our decision to select
the JAVELIN weapon system offered by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin
Joint Venture for the LF ATGWS requirement. A copy of the Written
Ministerial Statement, which will be published in the Official
Report, is attached.
This decision follows a rigorous and thorough
assessment of JAVELIN and the competing system, SPIKE (offered
by a joint venture of Rafael and MBDA). Taking all factors into
account, JAVELIN provides the best overall solution to our LF
ATGW requirement in terms of risk, affordability, operational
effectiveness and value for money. It also offers an In Service
Date that enables the existing MILAN anti-armour system to be
phased out at an appropriate time.
I am content that it has been a fair and open
competition and that the best bid has been selected. It is an
excellent deal for the armed forces and a good result for jobs
in the UK, where it is expected that over 300 jobs will be created
or sustained in a diverse range of manufacturing companies.
I understand that this decision will be a disappointment
to those industries that had worked with Rafael and MBDA to offer
SPIKE as an alternative solution, however, JAVELIN offers better
value for money.
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