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07 Mar 13. Report and Accounts 2011/12: Defence Committee Report. The Defence Committee published (7 Mar 13) a Report on Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12. The Committee observes that the MoD’s accounts have been ‘qualified’ for the sixth successive year. The ‘qualifications’ covered non-compliance with international reporting standards as well as a lack of evidence for the valuation of inventory (some £3,000m) and capital spares (some £7,000m). The remuneration ‘package’ for the Chief of Defence Matériel was also the cause of comment, in that it has yet to be approved. The Chairman of the Committee observes: “The delays in producing the Annual Report reveal a worrying lack of financial expertise within the MoD.”. The Committee also repeats its concern for the lack of accurate costings for the Operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.
Comment: The Permanent Under Secretary, the MoD’s most senior Civil Servant, has admitted that the MoD did not have the necessary expertise to manage “the layers of financial complexity” that featured in the Strategic Defence and Security Review. All in all, MoD accounting appears to be in a mess. The Report is published as HC 828, for £14:50. Unless otherwise stated, printed copies of Government documents (CommandPapers) and Parliamentary documents
(HC/HL Papers) can be obtained from TSO or from the Houses of ParliamentShop (Tel: 020-7219 3890). (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 13/11, 11 Mar 13)
12 Mar 13. Global Military Communications & COTS Market 17.46bn in 2013. New report states that the market for military communications spending reaches $17.46bn in 2013, as both mature and emerging national markets invest in the inherent operational advantages demonstrated by utilising effective and advanced military communications networks. The defence analyst stated that: ‘Military communications are an integral and vital element of any modern military. The ability to communicate effectively through difficult terrain, challenging environments and across wide geographical areas is essential in order to maximise the success of any military operation. Communications investment will therefore remain strong throughout the next decade, with greater focus upon on improving existing network structures, developing new SATCOM technology through increased commercial partnerships and investment in COTS systems which will provide deployment as well as cost saving advantages. Whilst traditional national markets will remain, there are also many emerging markets around the world increasing their military communications provisions to reflect their economic growth, develop domestic industry through increased knowledge of communications technology and expand military coverage.’ (Source: ASD Network)
12 Mar 13. Report: Costly USN Aircraft Carriers May Be Too Vulnerable to Keep. A 12-page report issued March 11 by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) spells out the disadvantages of continuing to rely on expensive, capacious vessels like aircraft carriers with the dawn of a new type of anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) capable of destroying them far out at sea. The paper, “At What Cost a Carrier,” by U.S. Navy Capt. Henry Hendrix, is the first in the new Disruptive Defense Papers series by CNAS. The series deals with controversial issues in U.S. defense policy at a time when hard choices must be made.
(Source: Glstrade.com/Defense News)
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