§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the technical difficulties are with the sonar upgrade to the Swiftsure and Trafalgar submarines; how much it will cost to complete the enhancement programme; and if he will make a statement. [30288]
§ Dr. MoonieThe technical difficulties associated with the sonar upgrade to the Swiftsure and Trafalgar submarines have centred on software engineering and associated signal data processing.
The total estimated cost of the enhancement programme is £687 million.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Phase 2 of the Swiftsure and Trafalgar enhancement programme will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [30287]
§ Dr. MoonieThe final phase of the Swiftsure and Trafalgar update programme is in progress and enhancements are being incrementally incorporated into the latest Trafalgar class submarines. The first submarine installation of the final phase has been completed and has commenced sea trials. The final submarine upgrade fit is currently planned to be completed by 2009.