John Gapper’s article “Industrial strategy turns from green to battleship grey” (Opinion, March 13) is to the point.
I think it is worth adding that the first priority must be to work out what a rational UK and European defence strategy looks like, that reduces duplication of equipment programmes and maximises interoperability of our armed forces. This will be complex because of competing national interests but crucial for effectiveness and affordability.
The second is to focus procurement criteria on cost, speed to market and the adaptability of systems.
Lessons can be learned from Ukraine, which has demonstrated the ability to adapt and improve the functionality of its drones very rapidly.
Sir John Rose
London SW11, UK
