Falcon (Hansard, 9 January 2002)

§ Mr. Jenkin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Falcon project. [25696]

§ Dr. Moonie
Falcon will provide a formation level communication system for UK forces including the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Falcon remains a significant component of an on-going programme of continuous improvements in Army communications that also includes projects Bowman and Skynet V. Current plans remain on schedule to begin delivery of Falcon in 2006–07.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have taken place in forecast expenditure on Falcon since 30 October. [23337]

§ Dr. Moonie
No changes have occurred to the forecast expenditure on Falcon since 30 October 2001. Falcon remains a significant component of an on-going programme of continuous improvements in Army communications systems that also includes projects Bowman and Skynet V. Current plans remain on schedule to begin delivery of Falcon in 2006–07.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when, and for what reason, a decision was taken to reduce expenditure on the Falcon project. [23344]

§ Dr. Moonie
No decision has been taken to reduce expenditure on the Falcon project.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure is forecast for the Falcon project in(a) 2004, (b) 2006 and (c) further phases; and if he will make a statement. [23343]

§ Dr. Moonie
Falcon is currently nearing the end of the concept phase and in keeping with the principles of smart acquisition decisions on precise timing and levels of expenditure will be informed by work both in concept and assessment phases. Current plans remain on schedule to begin delivery of project Falcon in 2006–07.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement outlining the extent to which Bowman is dependent upon replacing the current Ptarmigan system with Falcon. [23338]
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§ Dr. Moonie
As a tactical radio system designed for use from Divisional level and below, effective operation of Bowman is not dependent upon replacement of the current Ptarmigan system with Falcon. Falcon will provide a highly capable communication infrastructure to enable the rapid passage of data between Bowman networks thus contributing significantly to the programme of planned improvements for Army communications.