08 March 2002
The scrutiny body has found instances where the use of weaponry has been constrained because of a limited ability to identify accurately other combatants in the field.
During Nato's 1999 campaign in Kosovo, British soldiers could use the Rapier ground-based air defence system only in self-defence, because of the risk of shooting down allied aircraft. As a result, the MoD estimated that the system functioned at just 25% of its capability.
'The department needs to address the implications of combat identification in any relevant business cases made to acquire future equipment,' the NAO report said.
NAO inspectors found that the percentage of casualties caused by friendly fire has remained constant at 15%.
Comptroller and auditor general Sir John Bourn said: 'The MoD now has a policy on combat identification and a strategy for taking the policy forward. In conjunction with Nato, it has more work to do to see its strategy implemented in full.'
PFmar2002
