§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Sonar 2076 will be available for the first of 237W class of the Astute class submarines from the date of entry into service; and if it will provide the full stipulated military capability. [157730]
§ Dr. MoonieThe prime contractor, BAE Systems, has selected Sonar 2076 for Astute and it will be fitted to the first of class, HMS Astute, for its sea trials in 2004–05. Sonar 2076 is part of an incremental acquisition programme and will provide Astute with the full stipulated military capability.