§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with introducing(a) the Viking all-terrain protected vehicle for the Royal Marines, (b) the Army's Boxer Multi-role Armoured Vehicle and (c) the Defence Information Infrastructure Programme. [157285]
§ Mr. IngramDeliveries of the Viking all-terrain protected vehicle continue according to programme, with 27 vehicles delivered to date. The In Service Date remains on track for April 2004 when 30 vehicles are due to have been delivered. A pilot Operator/Maintainer course has begun at the Armoured Training Centre, Bovington, to support the introduction of this equipment.
On the Multi-role Armoured Vehicle, I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 71WS, about the UK's decision to with Draw from this tri-national programme.
The Defence Information Infrastructure Programme (DIIP) is progressing well. The procurement of the Future Defence Information Infrastructure is also progressing well. The Future DII team are currently in negotiations with three short-listed bidders and are on target for announcement of the preferred bidder in early 2005. Commencement of delivery is due to follow during 2005, with Full Operating Capability expected in 2008.