The British Ministry of Defense has come under criticism from the National Audit Office and the House of Commons for failing to get military contract delays and cost overruns under control. Indeed, the reports note that the situation has gotten worse, with the average delay in a military procurement contract stretching from 43 months in 1998 to 47 months in 1999. Newly announced delays include 22 months for the Medium Range Trigat anti-tank missile, 24 months for the common New Generation Frigate, 46 months for the Tracer armored scout vehicle, 29 months for the Airborne Standoff Radar, and 24 months for the Future Offensive Air System.-Stephen V Cole