02/02/2012

MoD Plans For Upsurge Tech Investment

MoD has set out plans to invest in state-of-the-art defence equipment, as it reconsiders its tightening budget.

The Government said it plans to prioritise investment in Science and Technology, in order to ensure the UK's Armed Forces continue to have state-of-the-art technology, equipment and support, in a White Paper published today.

The intention to sustain Science and Technology spending at 1.2% of the MoD's total annual budget has been stated in the Government White Paper 'National Security Through Technology'.

This new policy paper sets out how the Government will provide the best equipment for our Armed Forces and Security Services and achieve best value for money for UK taxpayers. It provides clear principles that will underpin the relationship with industry as the MOD invests more than £150bn in military equipment over the next decade.

Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said: "Our Armed Forces must continue to have innovative, high-technology equipment to give them a battle-winning edge, so we will support the development of defence technology directly and protect the amount we spend.

"We had to take tough decisions to tackle the £38bn black hole this Government inherited, but we are now close to achieving a sustainable and balanced budget for the first time in decades."

(DW/GK)

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