HC Deb 16 December 1996 vol 287 cc431-2W
Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Bowman project. [9316]

Mr. Arbuthnot

Bowman is a new combat radio system which will replace the Clansman family of radios. Work on the project definition stage of the programme is standard—provides a long-range power projection and air interdiction capability. The study will examine a range of options for maintaining this capability beyond the planned withdrawal date of the GR4 in the second decade of the new millennium.

Study contracts to the value of £35 million are expected to be placed in the new year. Options to be examined include variants of the Eurofighter and other new design and off-the-shelf combat aircraft; unmanned air vehicles; and stand-off air-to-ground missiles launched from transport aircraft. Collaborative options will be pursued.