§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of acquiring C130J transport aircraft; and if the acquisition programme has met its implementation milestones. [1335]
§ Mr. SpellarThe total estimated cost of the C130J programme to the defence equipment budget is around £1.8 billion. The programme has not yet met its implementation milestones as a result of development problems and difficulties in meeting the flight test and certification objectives. These have caused a delay of about one year to initial aircraft deliveries.