UK Contracts General Dynamics for £231m Communications System Upgrade
03 July 2009
The UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two deals with General Dynamics to modernise the armed forces' Bowman military communications system.
A Capability Release contract will update the Bowman digital radio system with a number of modern technologies.
General Dynamics will also provide technical support, including repair and field services.
Quentin Davies, minister for defence equipment and support, said, "It is a key element of a comprehensive suite of communications systems to provide a robust network that allows commanders to exercise command and control effectively."
Bowman is critical for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for secure and faster communications.
General Dynamics has won the £2.4bn contract after the MoD terminated its original deal with the Archer consortium.
The Bowman system has been installed in more than 13,000 British Army vehicles.
The MoD has recently purchased 2,139 radios, with an option to acquire 437 radios in future.
