Evaluating defence projects–success may be a multidimensional measure. A case study of a logistics support vessel

Armed forces worldwide face major investment needs, but past mistakes risk being repeated unless they can learn from completed projects. Using a case example, this paper illustrates the valuable lessons that can be learned from defence projects based on ex-post evaluation. The Norwegian Navy’s logistics support vessel, HNoMS Maud, was delivered from its South Korean shipyard in 2018 after a turbulent construction period. We present an ex-post evaluation of the project based on an evaluation framework that aims to assess operational, tactical and strategic project success. Although the problems from the construction phase seem to have been overcome, and the vessel fits well with NATO needs, its national relevance in a small navy with limited ocean-going capabilities can be questioned. Several lessons can be drawn from ex-post evaluations of projects. We thus encourage defence research communities and armed forces to strengthen their evaluation efforts to improve future planning and delivery of projects.