§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what extra costs(a) have been and (b) will be incurred by the delayed introduction of the Eurofighter into RAF service until the end of the year. [67707]
§ Dr. MoonieNo additional costs have been incurred by the delayed introduction of the Eurofighter into Royal Air Force service, and none are expected to be incurred. Initiation of contract support of initial flying will not commence until the first RAF aircraft has been accepted. We believe we will be able to maintain the planned operational employment date for Eurofighter, therefore, allowing existing aircraft to be withdrawn from service as scheduled.