Select Committee on Defence Written Evidence


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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Prepared 23 July 2003