Will the consolidation of the Armoured Vehicle manufacturing companies provide greater value for end customers?

_{Following the recent announcement of acquisition of Force Protection by General Dynamics, we now see that Lockheed Martin is in discussions with Nexter and Panhad to introduce “greater collaboration”. However will this bring benefit to the defence customers who currently compete their requirements? Earlier this year the US DOD made its position on consolidation clear maintaining that in these times of budget reductions competition was critical and that consolidation of suppliers would not be looked upon favourably.  However as new equipment orders are deferred or reduced we have to ask if the market can sustain the current number of manufacturers?}