§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the advantages of upgrading the current Nimrod aircraft in advance of the introduction of Nimrod 2000. [18593]
(2) what estimate he has made of the reduction in operating costs of Nimrod aircraft that could be achieved through use of improved technology; [18615]
(3) what assessment he has made of the capability of the current Nimrod aircraft to meet military threats before replacement by Nimrod 2000. [18617]
§ Mr. SpellarThe UK's ability to meet evolving military threats is continually assessed and steps are taken as necessary to address any significant shortfall in operational capability. In addition, operating costs are kept under constant review; new technologies and upgrades are introduced where they are affordable and provide the same or better capability with lower running costs.