MoD spends £230m more on Bowman communications system

Additional £230m will keep Bowman operational for years to come

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two deals with General Dynamics UK, together worth £231m, to upgrade the armed forces' Bowman military communications system.

One contract, known as Capability Release, covers the update and refresh of the Bowman digital radio system over its lifetime to reflect advances in technology.

The other deal provides longer-term technical support, including repair and field services.

“Bowman has been used successfully in Iraq and Afghanistan, where secure, faster communications and data exchange is saving lives on the front line. 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," said Quentin Davies, minister for defence equipment and support.

“These contracts are testament to our work with industry which allows us to rapidly adapt to technological advances and the evolving operational demands of our front-line troops.”

General Dynamics won the £2.4bn contract to build the Bowman system, 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, together with headquarters, ships, and helicopters. The MoD recently purchased an additional 2,139 radios, with an option for a further 437, to meet the demands of current operations and their associated training needs.

Public sector spending watchdog the National Audit Office has previously been critical of the MoD's procurement practices, which it said had contributed to delays in getting the Bowman system fully operational.