UK procurement body calls for delay on WCSP programme

Funding shortfalls have led a top UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) procurement body to call for a delay of at least a year in the launching of a GBP1 billion (USD1.5 billion) programme to install new turrets and weapons in the British Army's BAE Systems Warrior infantry fighting vehicles.

The recommendation on the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) was made following the 25 February meeting of the MoD's Investment Approvals Board (IAB). It will be a disappointment to UK Defence Equipment & Support Minister Quentin Davies, who had hoped to formally launch the programme in March in time to beat the period of 'purdah' on major government contractual announcements during the run-up to the UK's forthcoming general election.