§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made on the future offensive air system for the Royal Air Force.
Earl HoweThe Ministry of Defence has decided to carry out a feasibility study into a future offensive air system. The Tornado GR1 (now being upgraded to GR4 standard) provides a long-range power projection and air interdiction capability. The study will examine a range of options for maintaining this capability beyond the planned withdrawal date of the GR4 in the second decade of the new millennium.
Study contracts to the value of £35 million are expected to be placed in the New Year. Options to be examined include variants of the Eurofighter and other new design and off the shelf combat aircraft; unmanned air vehicles; and stand-off air-to-ground missiles launched from transport aircraft. Collaborative options will be pursued.