The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded General Dynamics [GD] a $193 million contract to provide enhanced Bowman tactical communications systems to the British Armed Forces, the company said Thursday.
Operating as a BCIP5.6 contract, it also allows the U.K. military to enhance and upgrade Bowman equipment currently used by the military. This includes the roll-out of about 12,000 new data terminals and an updated version of the Battle Management System.
Photo: U.K. MoD
The Bowman is the tactical C4I communications system for the U.K. military. It integrates digital voice and data technology to provide secure radio, telephone, intercom, and tactical internet services in a modular and integrated system, the company said on the product website.
Bowman radio communications were declared in service in 2004 and have been used in operations since 2005. Developed and integrated by GD’s UK branch (GDUK), it operates in over 15,000 British Army vehicles as well as headquarters, ships, and helicopters.
“This contract will replace the data terminals and update software across the Bowman system to ensure ease of use, more rapid and robust data services and improved interoperability,” Brigadier Richard Spencer, head of the MOD’s Battlefield and Tactical Communications and Information System delivery team, said in a statement.
“This new deal is good news for the Armed Forces and ensures that they will have access to the best possible tactical communications equipment for the foreseeable future.”
“We are delighted to continue our successful partnership, which has delivered world-class secure tactical communications to the British Armed Forces, and to build on this unique U.K. sovereign capability,” Steve Rowbotham, Chief Operating Officer of General Dynamics UK, added.
GD highlighted the contract will create 50 new jobs and sustain 20 high-skilled engineering jobs at GD U.K.’s headquarters at Oakdale, South Wales, U.K. Additional roles are being secured in the company’s wider supply chain.
The enhanced equipment will be delivered starting in 2018 and will support an increased operational temp, GD said.