Articles and analysis

The case for a return to 'cost plus'

By Tony Purton

In view of the highly political nature of UK defence procurement and the need perceived by all parties in the House to foster an effective and sustainable UK defence industry, it is time to consider a return to the non-competitive 'cost-plus' procurement regime abandoned by MoD in 1985 in favour of competition and the commercial approach.

The nuclear 'debate'

By Tony Purton

After declining to take part in any public debate on the subject, defence secretary Des Browne appeared before the Defence Committee of the House of Commons to give evidence on the government's white paper "The Future of the UK's Strategic Nuclear Deterrent" published at the end of 2006 announcing the government's decision to replace the existing Trident system with another submarine-based system.

Defence Industrial Strategy and SMEs

By David Bowles, Northern Defence Industry

The importance of the defence industry to the economic well-being of the regions should never be underestimated.

It is an industry populated for the most part by dynamic and flexible SMEs who can react quickly and innovate; SMEs that for instance, between them account for at least 10,000 jobs in the north east. It is estimated that at least 50 pence in every defence procurement pound ends up with a UK SME.

Articles and analysis

The case for a return to 'cost plus'

The nuclear 'debate'

Defence Industrial Strategy and SMEs

More Articles...