§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what options are being considered by his Department to ensure aircraft are able to bomb with precision in all weather conditions; when a decision will be announced on the preferred option; and if he will make a statement. [124222]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 5 June 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.
Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 June 2000:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about what options are being considered by his Department to ensure aircraft are able to bomb with precision in all weather conditions and when a decision will be announced on a preferred option. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.The Ministry of Defence is considering procuring Precision Guided Munitions to improve the accuracy with which the RAF can deliver free fall bombs in all weather conditions. A Request For Information was sent to industry and seven responses were received. 239W These propose a variety of technological solutions including the use of Inertial Navigation Systems augmented by information from Global Positioning System equipment.An Integrated Project Team has formed within the Defence Procurement Agency to conduct technical and commercial assessments of the solutions available. A decision announcing the preferred option is expected in mid 2002.