§ 30. Mr. BatisteTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what upgrades are planned in the Army's fighting capabilities over the next two years. [18064]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotOver the next two years we plan to bring into service with the Army a number of major new equipments, including the Challenger 2 main battle tank, additional Rapier Field Standard C fire units, the Phoenix unmanned air vehicle, the Bridging for the Nineties family of bridges, the Shielder vehicle-launched scatterable anti-tank mine system and the truck utility light/truck utility medium. The Army's deployability and manoeuvrability will be improved by the acquisition of a second ro-ro transport for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and new C130J transport aircraft and additional Chinook helicopters for the Royal Air Force. At the same time, as announced last month, we are planning to improve Army manning, including through a new Army Foundation college, and to strengthen key units at the higher end of the readiness spectrum.