§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Future Offensive Air System programme. [18641]
§ Dr. MoonieThe UK has a requirement to replace, towards the end of the next decade, the strike capability currently provided by the Tornado GR4 strike aircraft. This programme is known as the Future Offensive Air System. The primary roles will be to destroy strategic targets deep in enemy territory and to damage the enemy's ability to wage aerial warfare by disabling aircraft on the ground or by damaging their command and control systems.
To meet the capability required, the MOD is studying a range of options, including manned and unmanned aircraft and cruise missiles. Allied to these studies will be a programme of technology demonstrations, some of which will be collaborative; opportunities are being explored within Europe and with the USA and Australia.
223WOn 19 November, Defence Ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom signed the European Technology Acquisition Programme declaration. This launched a joint technology programme with European industry which will sustain and develop European capabilities for combat air systems over the next two decades.