Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the MoD expects to award the contract for the Future Infantry Soldier Technology Programme; what capabilities the new equipment will have; when the technology will come into full service; what the length of the contract is; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the MOD expects to award the contract for the Future Infantry Soldier Technology Programme; what capabilities the new equipment will have; when the technology will come into full service; what the length of the contract is; and if he will make a statement. [98349] Mr. Ingram: An announcement on the Prime Contractor for the Assessment Phase (AP) of the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme will be made shortly. Contract award will take place soon thereafter. The contract will last for a little under three years, and will be followed by a Demonstration and Manufacture Phase which will be the subject of separate contractual arrangements. The FIST programme will bring the benefits of technology improvements to the infantry soldier by providing an integrated suite of equipment which will enhance mission effectiveness in dismounted close combat. This will be defined more closely during the AP. An In-Service Date will not be set until the main investment decision, but current estimates are around the end of this decade.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 98349; 400 c893-4W;400 c885-6W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Contracts Armed forces Army Defence equipment Procurement Technology Future integrated soldier technology programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk