This week, I visited General Dynamics in South Wales with the Defence Select Committee to find out more about the troubled AJAX armoured fighting vehicle programme.
The AJAX is a state-of-the-art fighting vehicle which will modernise the UK's land army. However, it has not been without trouble as the programme has been beset by problems. As a result, last year, the Defence Select Committee took evidence from General Dynamics in order to scrutinise their work and this has been followed by a visit to see, first-hand, the site and the project.
The Defence Select Committee met a dedicated and 'can do' work force, including local graduates and apprentices, bringing highly skilled employment to the local area. This is also an important aspect of the UK's military footprint in Wales and General Dynamic's commitment to Wales should be welcomed.
As a member of the Defence Select Committee, my job is to scrutinise Government defence policy and to ensure that the UK taxpayer is getting value for money on policy and procurement. As such, this visit was very important and a good opportunity to find out more about the AJAX programme and the work of General Dynamics.
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