The Ministry of Defence has explained the circumstances behind a £12.6 million write-off linked to the cancellation of a chemical and biological medical countermeasure programme.
In a written parliamentary response, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the losses related to Project MELORIUS, which had been intended to replace an in-service capability and provide rapid treatment following exposure to nerve agents. The question, submitted by Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, asked what the MELORIUS write-off and constructive losses recorded in the Ministry of Defence’s 2024–25 accounts referred to. Pollard said the project was reassessed after developments in the commercial market during its design phase.
“Initiated to replace an in-service capability, MELORIUS was a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Medical Countermeasure project to rapidly develop and provide immediate treatment to a person exposed to a nerve agent,” he said.
He explained that a suitable commercial alternative became available while the programme was still in development. “A Commercial Off The Shelf product became available during the development stage of the project, following changes in the commercial market,” Pollard said.
As a result, the department chose to halt further work and redirect funding.
“Project MELORIUS was re-evaluated and a decision was made to stop further development, with funds reinvested into procuring a COTS solution,” he added, describing the approach as “the best value for money for the taxpayer, a low-risk option and significantly reduced the delivery timescales.”
The minister confirmed that the £12,552,000 constructive loss was incurred during the managed closure of the programme. “It relates to the safe disposal of 110,000 medical devices, a necessary up-front purchase, and the associated costs of development and testing of the products,” he said. He added that defence programmes must remain adaptable as technologies and markets change.
“In delivering the best capabilities for our Armed Forces, it is vital that we continually review the market and emerging technologies for ways to enhance our current offering, to ensure that our troops have what they need to operate effectively and the ability to respond to evolving threats.”
So, they found a cheaper solution. Nice.
Yeah what’s £12m between friends!peanuts ain’t it?
If an off the shelf solution works, and is best fit for the job, then go for it! This should also be applied to the very big ticket projects also! Anyway CBRN, ugh! Everyone remembers where they were at 9/11, me, Porton Down!