HC Deb 26 February 2002 vol 380 cc1146-7W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether heavy lift aircraft in use by the RAF are equipped with defensive aids and counter measures; and whether he intends that heavy lift aircraft(a) leased and (b) purchased for the RAF in future programmes will be equipped with defensive aids and counter measures. [37289]

Mr. Ingram

Aircraft are equipped with a defensive capability commensurate with the assessed level of threat of the environment in which they are expected to operate. However, disclosure of detailed information about the defensive capabilities of aircraft would be operationally sensitive. I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to national security and defence.