§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his latest estimate is for the in-service dates for each of the proposed new aircraft carriers. [111334]
§ Mr. IngramOur target in-service dates for the two new aircraft carriers are 2012 and 2015. Estimates for their delivery are being developed progressively this year during the remainder of the assessment phase by the CVF Alliance of BAE Systems, Thales UK and the Ministry of Defence, taking account of the maturing carrier design. The expected in service dates will be confirmed next spring when we place the contract for the demonstration and manufacture of the carriers.