Categories
The Ministry of Defence is close to moving from the build to the operational phase of the programme. The first carrier (HMS Queen Elizabeth) is nearing completion and the build of the second is progressing well. The Department must bring together the carriers, Lightning II jets, and Crowsnest with trained crews and supporting infrastructure, logistics, communications and surveillance. Successful operation depends on a mix of equipment, support and infrastructure, but plans for some of these are not yet mature. The report examines how the Department has managed the programmes and handled the technical, cost and schedule risks.