MoD criticised over communications

A powerful group of MPs has launched a stinging attack on defence chiefs' handling of a crucial new communications system for the armed forces.

Ministry of Defence officials "blithely" agreed to unrealistic timetables for developing the Bowman equipment and then "wrung their hands" as delays and costs mounted, according to the Public Accounts Committee.

Troops on the ground are also still "suffering the consequences" because more than a decade after it should have been introduced the multi-billion-pound digital system does not have all the capabilities promised.

Committee chairman Edward Leigh said: "It has proved hard to fit kit to vehicles because many differ from the standard configuration. The Bowman radio packs, despite the repeated concerns of Directors of Infantry, weigh a ton and so can't easily be carried by the infantry in combat.

"And Bowmen will not for the foreseeable future have the ability to communicate with our allies - the feature intended to lessen the likelihood of 'friendly fire' accidents. These problems must be sorted out," he added.

The committee's report found that no one individual within the MoD had been given responsibility for ensuring Bowman was a success. The timescale set for the project was "clearly unrealistic" and officials underestimated the "inherent complexity and technological challenges".

There was inadequate preparation for installing the kit on the military fleet of 15,700 land vehicles, 141 naval vessels, and 60 helicopters, and several key capabilities had to be removed so that the system could start being rolled out in 2004.

"The capabilities being delayed, such as the ability to communicate with allies, remain important, not least to reduce the risk of further friendly fire deaths," the committee said.

The MoD was "confident" that no lives had been lost due to the hold-ups so far, but a plan for upgrades should be put in place over the next year.

Mr Leigh, Tory MP for Gainsborough, said: "Our armed forces have had to put up with an insecure, analogue military radio system for far too long. This can have disastrous consequences on the battlefield where good communications are quite literally a matter of life and death."