HC Deb 11 June 2003 vol 406 c918W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the strategic tanker programme. [117667]

Mr. Ingram

The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft is planned to replace our VC1O and TriStar Air Refuelling aircraft towards the end of the decade. Final bids for this prospective PFI programme were received on 30 April 2003 and our assessment is underway.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the UK forces' requirements in relation to the strategic tanker programme. [117668]

Mr. Ingram

The United Kingdom Forces' future requirements for fast jet and large aircraft refuelling are planned to be met by the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA). FSTA is currently in its assessment phase which includes assessment of the requirements.

Final bids for this programme were received on 30 April 2003 and they are currently being assessed.