§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when operational field trials of the Bowman system will commence. [56197]
§ Dr. MoonieOperational field trials of the Bowman system are due to begin in November 2003 at battalion level. The battalion and additional elements of the first brigade to be converted will then conduct a further operational field trial in March 2004, which will determine whether the Bowman system can be accepted into service. A final field trial, at brigade level, is planned for August/September 2004.