The U.K. Ministry of Defense on July 24 said it awarded a $68.8 million maintenance contract to General Dynamics [GD] UK for the Armed Forces Bowman radio system.
Bowman is a secure digital voice and data system that allows front line troops to communicate with colleagues and commanders on the ground, at sea or in the air. In Afghanistan, Bowman plays a vital role, giving troops better awareness of operational situations, the ministry said in a statement.
Philip Dunne, Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology, said: “Bowman is a key communications asset, used by all three services across the globe, enabling greater situational awareness and critically providing a secure system for information sharing and communications.
“This ($68.8) million contract is a good example of how one of our prime contractors is working closely with UK-based small and medium sized enterprises, helping to rebalance the economy and laying the foundations for lasting growth and shared prosperity in the defense industry,” Dunne said.
The contract award secures as many as 300 British defense jobs at the company’s South Wales site, and in the supply chain.
Other firms MoD said would benefit under the award include: Wincanton, Exelis [XLS], Finmeccanica‘s DRS, Cablescan and AWE Electronics.