The programme is managed by the Dismounted Close Combat Integrated Project Team at Defence Equipment and Support, MoD Abbey Wood in Bristol.
A major complement of the FIST project is the Bowman communications system, which gives secure communications to the troops on the ground, allowing for simultaneous transmission of voice and data and having built-in GPS equipment, as well as sending visual information direct from personal cameras.
The first major trials of the FIST system were completed at the Salisbury Plain Training Area in January 2005, when 70 soldiers were equipped with the prototype FIST technology including GPS, communications and weapon sights, and compared to the effectiveness of 70 conventionally equipped soldiers.
This equipment is designed to bring the British infantryman up to standards and link with new technology currently employed, including the new underslung grenade launcher for the SA80 and the deployed Bowman communications network.
It will address critical system obsolescence and introduce a more agile TacCIS solution (both technical and business).".