Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 October 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 October 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to make an announcement on the Future Rapid Effects System; and if he will make a statement on its role in the future capability of the Army.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement on the Future Rapid Effects System; and if he will make a statement on its role in the future capability of the Army. [130623] Mr. Ingram: FRES will be at the forefront of the Army's rapid intervention capability, across the spectrum of missions from warfighting to peace- keeping. It is expected that the capability will be provided by a system of air-transportable medium weight armoured vehicles and that it will operate as an integral part of future network-enabled forces. As part of the current concept phase of the FRES project, the MOD has been undertaking planning work in order to inform decisions on how best to take the programme forward. The MOD is now considering procurement options and we expect to make an announcement later this year on the way ahead for the project.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 130623; 411 c125W;411 c160-1W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Army Armoured fighting vehicles Procurement Future rapid effect system
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk