Defence Online

How readiness is shaped by the way defence capability is delivered

February 19, 2026

Debate around UK defence readiness often centres on funding levels and future spending commitments. Recent discussions about a significant gap in defence funding have sharpened that focus, raising questions about affordability, programme prioritisation, and long-term ambition. These issues matter, but they do not on their own define readiness.

In practice, readiness is shaped by what can be delivered, sustained and adapted in the near term. It is measured less by intent or long-term planning than by the availability of usable capability under operational conditions. In an increasingly contested and unpredictable environment, that distinction has become more important.

Readiness beyond long-term programmes

Long-term acquisition programmes will always play a central role in defence capability. They provide scale, coherence and technological advancement. However, they are not designed to address every aspect of near-term readiness, particularly when operational demands evolve faster than traditional timelines allow.

Modern land operations increasingly take place under persistent surveillance, electronic attack and the threat of long-range precision fires. In such conditions, platforms that are slow to adapt or constrained by narrow roles risk losing relevance. Readiness therefore depends not only on what capabilities are planned, but how quickly it can be fielded and modified as circumstances change.

From a land mobility perspective, adaptability is a critical factor. Vehicles designed with sufficient margin and modularity can be reconfigured over their service life to support different roles, integrate new systems or accommodate additional protection. This flexibility provides commanders with options and reduces dependence on replacement platforms when requirements shift.

Delivering capability at pace

Under financial pressure, defence organisations face difficult trade-offs between speed, cost and maturity. The pursuit of fully developed solutions can offer assurance, but it can also delay the delivery of usable capability until after the point of greatest need.

An alternative approach prioritises early delivery of credible capability, with the expectation that systems will continue to evolve in service. This reflects the reality that operational feedback loops are shortening and that adaptation is increasingly a constant requirement rather than an exception.

Recent operational experience has highlighted the value of platforms that can be modified quickly in response to emerging threats. Where systems have been designed with accessible architectures and allowance for growth, upgrades have been implemented in weeks rather than years. While such changes may not deliver a final or optimised solution, they can significantly enhance effectiveness in the near term.

This is not an argument for lowering standards or bypassing assurance. It is an acknowledgement that readiness is often determined by timeliness rather than completeness.

Industrial resilience and freedom of action

Operational readiness is closely linked to the resilience of the industrial base that supports defence capability. Recent global disruption has underlined vulnerabilities in extended supply chains and the risks associated with over-reliance on distant sources of support.

Maintaining a capable domestic defence industry underpins freedom of action, assurance of supply and the ability to adapt equipment at pace. A warm industrial base, sustained through ongoing production, upgrade and support activity, helps preserve skills and capacity that may be required to respond quickly to operational demand.

Smaller engineering organisations can play an important role in this ecosystem, often providing agility and responsiveness that complement larger programmes. Ensuring such capabilities are sustained over time contributes directly to readiness at force level.

Where platforms and systems can be delivered without restrictive export control constraints, additional benefits arise. Greater flexibility in deployment, modification and collaboration can improve responsiveness, particularly in coalition operations. This does not diminish the importance of international cooperation, but it does highlight the value of maintaining practical sovereignty over key capabilities.

Readiness as a practical outcome

Readiness is not an abstract aspiration or a future promise. It is a practical condition, reflected in forces that are equipped, supported and able to adapt under pressure.

As defence spending comes under closer scrutiny, there is value in broadening the discussion beyond headline figures alone. Adaptability, modularity and industrial resilience should be considered alongside cost and scale when assessing war-fighting readiness.

Ultimately, how capability is delivered can matter as much as how much is spent.

Article submitted by Phil Applegarth, Director, Head of Supacat

Phil Applegarth is Director, Head of Supacat, a UK defence designer and manufacturer with experience across land mobility, vehicle adaptability and in-service support.

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.