(2) what assessment he has made of the priority accorded to (a) the personnel carrier and (b) the direct fire version in the development of future rapid effect system medium weight vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
The Panther Command and Liaison vehicle does not form part of the future rapid effect system (FRES) programme. The FRES utility vehicle, which will carry personnel as one of its roles, is currently afforded the highest priority and is likely to be the first variant to enter service. A direct fire variant may follow; the Department is continuing to examine the requirement and options as part of the assessment phase.