MOD targets two-year contract deadline for major platforms

The UK Ministry of Defence has set targets to cut the time to award initial contracts for major platforms—tanks, frigates and aircraft—from six years to two, according to a written answer published this week. The plans also aim to accelerate modular upgrades, such as improvements to communications, sensors and weapons, from three years to one. For uncrewed systems, the Ministry wants acquisition cycles to fall to three months. The changes come from a segmented procurement approach launched from 1 April 2026 by the National Armaments Director Group, which tailoring routes based on capability, supplier and risk. The reforms are supported by the Accelerating Commercial Pathways programme.