§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was first informed of problems in communications between British ground forces in Kosovo; what steps he took; and if he will make a statement. [104407]
§ Mr. SpellarThe limitations of the CLANSMAN tactical radio system are well understood and it is due to replaced by the BOWMAN system. MOD reacted swiftly to concern regarding the capability of CLANSMAN on operations in Kosovo. Two programmes were run under Urgent Operational Requirement procedures. Project POLYGON provided a commercial handheld radio system for the battalion operating in the Pristina area and entered service in September 1999. Project POLYGON PLUS will shortly extend this commercial system, giving all UK troops in theatre access to the protected tactical system.