Bowman Goes to Iraq in Tanks and Armoured Vehicles for the First Time

UK Ministry of Defence, The Bowman communications system will be going to Iraq in the Challenger 2 tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles for the first time, announced Secretary of State for Defence John Reid, today. 
 
Bowman delivers secure voice and data communications, and the ability to automatically position and locate units, capabilities which do not exist in the Clansman radio system. The provision of digital secure voice communications down to section level represents a step-change in capability for the Armed Forces. 
 
Bowman will be going with troops from the 7th Armoured Brigade. 
 
John Reid said: 
 
“Rolling out Bowman in Challenger 2s and Warriors in Iraq marks a real step forward in the programme. The system has been deployed in Iraq with units from 12 Mechanized Brigade and reports back have been really encouraging. But this is the first time it has gone out in the Challenger 2 tanks and Warriors. 
 
“Bowman offers our forces a new level of capability on the battlefield and I am keen to see as many troops as possible benefiting from it.” 
 
The Bowman radio communications system was first taken to Iraq by 12 Mechanized Brigade in spring 2005.