Introduction

摘要

Parliamentary discussions surrounding defence equipment have caused a lot of debate over the past few months. Defence Secretary John Hutton's written ministerial statement in December 2008 sparked some interesting responses from the defence community, especially in light of major changes to the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) programme and delays to the Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF).rnWith importance high on these issues, DMJ offers a wide range of equipment-based features. In an exclusive article, Shadow Defence Minister Gerald Howarth discusses the government's responsibility to provide for personnel, which he suggests is not always being fulfilled. We also offer separate articles on FRES and CVF, the former with MoD responses to criticism and the latter providing views from Rear Admiral Terry Loughran, a past commanding officer of HMS Ark Royal.