HC Deb 31 January 1995 vol 253 cc560-1W
19. Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on the purchase of attack helicopters for the RAF.

Mr. Freeman

Evaluation of the bids received under the attack helicopter competition is in progress and we expect to make a decision on the purchase of this equipment for use by the Army Air Corps later in the year. I am, of course, conscious of the importance to industry of an early decision.

Mr. Jopling

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will define the threat which he expects a new attack helicopter to meet or match.

Mr. Freeman

British defence policy, in common with that of our allies, is no longer based upon defending against a single specific threat or threats. Instead, we aim to provide forces with a flexible capability to undertake a range of operations, from general war to peace support operations, and to respond to the changing demands which may be placed upon them in the future. However, a fundamental part of our defence policy remains the ability of our armed forces to defend themselves against tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles.

We plan to procure an attack helicopter to replace Lynx in the anti-tank role for the early part of the next century. Its primary requirement will be to defeat any present and envisaged main battle tank which may be deployed against our armed forces. It will also be required to have a self-defence capability against enemy helicopters and ground to air threats.

Mr. Jopling

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what review of capability requirements in respect of a new attack helicopter he has carried out to underpin the purchase together with what review of alternative investments he has made.

Mr. Freeman

We have a continuing requirement for a capability to engage in high-intensity conflict, including operations against armoured forces. A series of studies has been conducted to examine the relative cost and effectiveness of various weapon systems with an anti-tank capability. These included multiple-launched rocket systems, ground-launched missile systems, tanks, mines, fixed-wing aircraft and attack helicopters. The studies have shown that the most cost-effective mix of weapons to meet our anti-tank requirement entails the procurement of an attack helicopter.

Mr. Jopling

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to decide which attack helicopter to purchase; from which aircraft he intends to choose; what will be the relevant factors in order of importance which will guide his choice; how many he intends to purchase together with the estimated total cost; whether the alternatives have flown or expect to fly; and if he will make it his policy that the choice of machine will not be dominated by considerations of domestic employment.

Mr. Freeman

We expect to make a decision on the purchase of an attack helicopter later in the year. Bids were received from: Agusta—Al29; Atlas AviationRooi valk; Boeing-Sikorsky—Comanche; BAe/Eurocopter—Tiger; GEC/Bell-Textron—Cobra Venom; and Westland/McDonnell Douglas—Apache AH64/D. Tender assessment is based on four main parameters: operational effectiveness; life cycle costs; risk; and proposals for United Kingdom industrial participation. The precise number of helicopters to be procured will depend on affordability and on the solution chosen and, therefore, has yet to be determined. The estimated total cost of the programme is over £2 billion. Current versions of all the aircraft except Comanche have flown. It is our intention to equip the Army with the most cost-effective solution which fully meets its requirements. To that end, each bid will be considered on its merits.