On 22nd March 2010, the UK Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth announced the selection of General Dynamics UK as the preferred bidder for the Demonstration Phase of the FRES SV programme, over its rival BAE Systems. The rapid decision allows clarity and progress for the FRES SV element of the programme, avoiding any delay due to the election period. This is in stark contrast to the lengthy process that the overall ￡13bn FRES programme, with a whole life cost estimated at ￡50bn - the highest priority equipment programme within the British Army - has followed since its inception in 1998.
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