The U.K. Ministry of Defence has sent invitations to General Dynamics [GD] UK and BAE Systems to bid on the Future Rapid Effect System Specialist Vehicle (FRES SV).

The FRES SV is intended to provide reconnaissance and reconnaissance support variants to replace the existing Scimitar and Spartan vehicles now operational in Afghanistan. FRES SV is a medium-weight capability comprising three families of vehicles: reconnaissance, medium armour and maneuver support.

The FRES program aims to deliver a medium-weight armored vehicle fleet with higher levels of deployability and protection than current vehicles, and have the potential to accommodate technology changes. It will replace a number of vehicles that have reached or are approaching the end of their service lives, including the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) [CVR(T)] Scimitar, and introduce new capabilities.

The final Invitation to Tender is expected to be issued later this month following this initial assessment phase.

The Equipment Examination decided that FRES SV should, with the Warrior Capability Sustainment Program, have priority ahead of the FRES Utility Vehicle.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

“This follows the announcement of the strategy for the procurement of armored vehicles which I made on 23 June. These vehicles will play a major role in current operations and in equipping the Army to stand ready to respond to a wide range of contingencies in the future. “

The draft Invitation to Tender for the FRES SV follows the announcement of the Armored Fighting Vehicles Sector Strategy last week.