§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department will phase out the use of depleted uranium. [132312]
§ Mr. IngramUnited Kingdom forces have two types of depleted uranium (DU) ammunition: 20 mm rounds used by the Royal Navy's Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (a missile defence system): and 120 mm anti-tank rounds (CHARM 3), fired by the Army's Challenger II (CR2) tanks.
The Royal Navy's Close-in Weapon System does not require anti-armour properties and in recent years, a new tungsten round has been developed for it. Since 1996, all replacement ammunition for the Phalanx system has been of the tungsten variety. Some ships still carry the 20 mm DU round, however, and would fire it should the operational need arise.
There is currently no plan to replace the DU penetrator in the CR2 Main Armament Weapon System although a programme is being commissioned over the next three years to determine the most cost-effective means of maintaining CR2's capability. This will investigate the replacement of the rifled barrel with a smoothbore barrel, which in turn, may offer alternative munitions. DU replacement is not the primary aim of this programme.
To date, DU has consistently outperformed all equivalents as a kinetic penetrator when employed in anti-armour weapon systems: its use, therefore, currently offers the best operational effectiveness in this role.