Tanks very much
Sir: Michael Trend says he has consulted many in the armaments industry before deciding whether Britain still needs or can support its own tank industry (The fog of peace', 9 December). It is a pity he did not consult Vickers as we could have put him right on several points. Far from our Government buying fore- ign tanks 'off the shelf', the truth is that while our Challenger 2 development pro- ceeds on time, neither the Americans nor the Germans have yet developed tanks to meet British army requirements. Their proposal may not be ready until some time after our own.
Mr Trend correctly observes that the army's current tanks are out of date. But as Tom King has remarked, while hoping for the best outcome in Eastern Europe, the current period of instability is no time to lower our guard, and it is vital our army has the best available equipment.
Vickers Defence Systems is a leader in tank technology and Europe's most profit- able tank maker. We are price competitive with other producers such as General Dynamics, although we only manufacture a tenth of the tanks they make each year.
Moreover, demand for armoured fight- ing vehicles in Africa, the Middle East and Asia remains strong. So, with a firm order from our own army, Vickers can continue to win its share of markets whose value is estimated in billions of pounds, bringing consequent benefit for Britain's balance of payments.
Does Britain still need a tank industry, Mr Trend? Emphatically yes.
Colin Chandler
Managing Director Designate Vickers PLC, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SWI
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