§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Spike missile systems, manufactured by Rafael of Israel, have been purchased by the Defence Procurement Agency; [71636]
(2) when he will make his decision on the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System requirements for a replacement for the Milan missile; [71637]
(3) when the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System will enter service; [71638]
(4) what trials of the Spike missile system have been held by the Defence Procurement Agency. [71639]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 19 July 2002]: The Ministry of Defence is considering the Spike and Javelin systems for the requirement in question. The Defence Procurement Agency acquired small quantities of components of both systems for the purpose of conducting comparative assessment trials. We plan to select the preferred weapon around the turn of the year and to introduce it into service in 2005.