Army, Boeing defend Future Combat System

WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- U.S. military officials say the $159 billion Future Combat System is being run well despite suggestions that defense contractors will overshoot cost estimates.

In a conference call with reporters Friday, the U.S. Army's top brass defended past cost increases in the system, asserting that overall, the program was being "executed well," The Washington Post reported.

Lt. Gen. N. Ross Thompson III, military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, and The Boeing Co. defended the performance of contractor on the project, which allows combat vehicles, battlefield robots and sensors to communicate through a wireless network.

"We believe that we are successful at executing FCS to the Army's plan and will continue to do so," Boeing spokesman Matt Billingsley said.

The remarks came after the investigative arm of Congress, the General Accountability Office, recommended that lawmakers not appropriate as much money in the upcoming fiscal year for the Future Combat System until it can be reviewed, the Post said, adding that the program also is being eyed by the Obama administration, which is reviewing military spending.