Welcome to our FRES Microsite
02 September 2008
FRES is the MoD's programme to deliver a fleet of wheeled and tracked armoured vehicles to the British Army that is rapidly deployable, network-enabled, capable of operating across the spectrum of operations; and protected against the most likely threats. These vehicles are expected to be in service for up to 40 years. The total FRES fleet is expected to comprise fives families of vehicles: Utility, Reconnaissance, Fires, Manoeuvre Support and a family of simpler variants known as the ‘Basic Capability Unit’.
The total FRES fleet could comprise as many as 3,000 vehicles of which the greater proportion, possible as many as 2,000, will be Utility vehicles. It is the largest ever Army programme with an acquisition value of around £16 billion, and through life costs of £60 billion. The MoD has stated that they are aiming at an Initial Operating Capability for FRES in 2012. The Utility platforms will enter service first, followed soon after by the Reconnaissance platforms.
