MORE IMPORTS FOR THE ARMED FORCES

[ORISKANY]

It has just been announced that the MOD are buying pistols to replace the Browning, from Austria. What a shame we cannot compete to provide work for our own country. Bleak times ahead indeed.

Another blow to add to the uniforms from China, vehicles from Germany and goodness knows what else.

Don't tell me, I know it is all cash driven!

[Brigade Piron]

Personally - and I know I am not qualified to comment on this - I'm glad British soldiers are not given any old crap, just because it is produced in the UK... That would be very bad logic indeed. Snatch Land Rover anyone?

I'd also remind you that there's nothing new about it either. The SLR was Belgian in patent, and I imagine FN made a packet out of it, even if it was assembled in the UK. The same could be said of many other pieces of kit, right back to the US lend-lease tanks of WWII and beyond.

[ORISKANY]

Originally Posted by Brigade Piron

Personally - and I know I am not qualified to comment on this - I'm glad British soldiers are not given any old crap, just because it is produced in the UK... That would be very bad logic indeed. Snatch Land Rover anyone?

I'd also remind you that there's nothing new about it either. The SLR was Belgian in patent, and I imagine FN made a packet out of it, even if it was assembled in the UK. The same could be said of many other pieces of kit, right back to the US lend-lease tanks of WWII and beyond.

I am not suggesting that the British Armed forces should be given 'any old crap just because it is produced in the UK'. The finest Armed Forces in the world bar none deserve the best. I understand that snatch Land Rover was basically a good vehicle but deployed in the wrong environment. My underlying gripe is that we have millions unemployed and many more under employed here in UK. Paying people who are out of work, not through their own fault, and giving contracts to Johnny foreigner is the bad logic. More r and d in industry and a suitably trained workforce is the answer, so that we can produce kit for our own forces without having to rely on outsiders.
Lend-lease is a red herring, this was needed when our US allies had the opportunity to help us in time of a world war when UK was at full stretch to produce its own. I regret that we are now a nation of retail outlets and coffee shops, all selling, in the main imported junk from abroad. A late note. I have just heard about 800 jobs lost at Honda in Swindon.

[LONGSHANKS]

I agree to some extent that home produced military material would be preferable. If it;s boots and uniforms then I imagine price talks. But take for example, that over here in the US, I believe nearly 50% of the chips and computer components are made in Asia.......b I imagine we British are doing the same. As I said, low hanging fruit like boots to save a Buck etc are OK if you have to, but strategic components is insane.

Simon.

[LONGSHANKS]

Oh, one other note. Don't forget Browning was an American gun. The last pistol we made for the fighting Brit was the Webley. Powerful weapon, but out of date by WW1.

[2747andy]

Guys,
can we stop being political and please stick to badges and insignia...

As a serving soldier I can assure you that we now have some of the best equipment and weapon system in the world, regardless of who makes them!

Badges please and please, please, please stop having a cheap snipe at those who are serving about how they wear or use this equipment!

If you are no longer serving, then IMO you are out of date and shoud stick to what you knew when you were!

Have a good weekend!

Andy

[grenadierguardsman]

Oriskany, I personally think that Britain is getting worse and worse. Our industry has gone down hill. Our Armed Forces are shrinking, and we let anyone come across our borders. It's a no wonder we can't provide our own equipment to our own forces. We are either to crap or to expensive. It' s just as we'll the Americans are our side.

[Mike_2817]

Originally Posted by Brigade Piron

The SLR was Belgian in patent, and I imagine FN made a packet out of it, even if it was assembled in the UK. The same could be said of many other pieces of kit, right back to the US lend-lease tanks of WWII and beyond.

UK SLR's were 'inch' versions of the FN Rifle with modifications and were licenced built with UK componant mainly by the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield, who also produced the SA80 untill BAE sold out to H&K

Originally Posted by LONGSHANKS

Oh, one other note. Don't forget Browning was an American gun. The last pistol we made for the fighting Brit was the Webley. Powerful weapon, but out of date by WW1.

FN Herstal (Belgium) acquired the Browning Arms Company which had been established in 1927, and produced the bulk of the UK Browning 9mm pistols. The .380" Webley served on till 1960 by the way