Soldier Modernisation Procurement Is Changing – How Will Users Benefit from Innovation in the Future?

Soldier modernisation program managers are currently, especially in light of austerity measures, looking for ways to get the right soldier equipment, integrate it and get a good deal whilst doing so - by working with sub-contractors directly. The benefits don't just stop at cost saving but also the rapid fielding of vital equipment such as protective gear.

This shift could revolutionise the way in which soldier and marine modernisation programmes procure necessary and urgent equipment and encourage more small, innovative companies to deal with military.

Gen. Kelley, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command, US Marine Corps believes that the ability to respond lies in innovation, it requires R&D and that smaller innovative sub-contractors are 'making the investment in producing leading-edge, wow technology'. Gen. Kelley went on to say of the soldier systems prime contractors 'let me have access to the sub-contractors' and that he is 'frustrated' at not currently being able to do so. His parting message to equipment manufacturers was 'don't sell out, you have the technology, you have the bargaining chip'.

In addition to the UK and US soldier and marine programmes Germany, France, Italy Australia, Norway, Finland, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands and more will deliver briefs on soldier procurement strategies at Soldier Technology 2011  in June. Keep up to date on developments in the Soldier Technology agenda at 'Soldier and Marine Modernisation'  on LinkedIn or by following @SoldierTechno on twitter.

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