Bowman army radio network suffering delays

The British army has postponed vital capabilities from the long-delayed £2.4 billion Bowman digital radio network, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

The system was designed to save money and was supposed to have been accepted into service two years ago.

Plans for interoperability with the communications networks of the US and other allies in the battlefield situation are dependent on the outcome of a £10 million validation exercise to assess 'high-risk, still evolving capabilities', says the NAO.

A best estimate of the cost of adding a modified capability to work with NATO standard systems used by allies and other UK digital systems has been put at a further £200 million.

The report also revealed that while the radio communications system is in operation, most of the additions - computer-based 'network-enabled capabilities' which could substantially increase 'battlefield tempo' – have been delayed two years until next year and will cost an additional £121 million - a five per cent rise.

Bowman replaces the aging analogue Clansman system used by the army since the early 1970s. It was originally developed by the Archer consortium in which the Ministry of Defence (MoD)lost confidence following severe delays and cost increases. The contract was terminated in 2000, re-tendered and won by
General Dynamics UK.

The NAO says that the Bowman target date of 2004 was achieved with 27 provisos but the enhancements have only been declared in service since December 2005 with 32 additional provisos.

The capabilities include the Common Battlefield Applications Toolset (CobBAT), the Digitisation Battlespace Land Infrastructure and the Platform Battlefield Information System Application (P-BISA).

The report said a secure voice radio and equipment indicating the position of units has 'performed well' and was winning the confidence of soldiers and praised the 'evident commitment to the success of the programme' from all involved.

But it criticised the MoD traditional linear approach to the procurement of a developing IT system. Problems were exacerbated by the difficulty installing the equipment in thousands of military vehicles with differing engineering requirements.

It also warned that 'robust system support costs are still being developed but are expected to rise beyond the levels forecast in 2001'.

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