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MoD spends £149m on tanks unfit for Afghanistan
23 Nov 2009The Ministry of Defence spent £149 million on an "urgent" upgrade to 900 tanks that are now only being used in training exercises, it was revealed.
The tanks were upgraded for use in Iraq but are unsuitable for deployment in Afghanistan where Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles are better suited to cope with the terrain and threat.
The refit programme, ordered as an "urgent operational requirement" three years ago, saw 900 FV430 variant vehicles given new engines, drive trains and driver controls and reclassified as Bulldogs.
An MoD spokeswoman said: "We provide our Armed Forces with the vehicles that best meet their operational need.
"The Bulldog was specifically upgraded for use in Iraq where it played a key role in providing armoured protection for many personnel.
"In Afghanistan, where the terrain and threats are different, this role is performed by the Mastiff and Ridgback.
"The Bulldogs continue to have a role in training exercises in the UK."
The upgrade came to light after freedom of information requests submitted by The Times newspaper.
The Mastiff and the Ridgback, it's "baby brother", were rolled out in Afghanistan to withstand the increasing threat of roadside bombs and take the place of the more vulnerable Snatch Land Rovers.
Reader views (6)
Let me guess. White-collared civil servants playing at soldiers again! Just think of all the good causes that £149 million could have been spent on.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 23/11/2009 15:26
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Has Brown ordered the Royal Engineers to carry out a bridge building training exercise in Cumbria yet?
- Mike, bristol, 23/11/2009 11:22
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Why not take the money out of their salaries?
- Tojo, Hythe Kent, 23/11/2009 10:04
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Can the bonus payments paid to this shower be clawed back??
- Tojo, Hythe Kent, 23/11/2009 08:23
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The simply fact behind not deploying the improved 432 (Bulldog) is because as it weights far too much for Afghan roads and Afghan bridges. Also it is a lot wider than its wheeled and lighter personnel carriers counterparts
- Farouk, leeds, 23/11/2009 07:45
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More spin and waffle by the spokeswomble at the Ministry of Defence.
£149 MILLION wasted by the MOD.
Gormless Brown can only afford to give the whole of Cumbria £1 million.
The MOD has less credibility than a chocolate fire guard.
- Reuben Camara, Plot 1, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 23/11/2009 07:44
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