§ Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what level of escorts the two proposed aircraft carriers will require. [188799]
§ Mr. IngramThe level of escort required by aircraft carriers is dependent upon the environment in which it is operating, although routinely such ships operate as part of a Task Group. Current surface escort ships include Type 42 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers and Type 22 and 23 Frigates. The capability currently provided by Type 42 will be enhanced by the introduction of the Type 45 destroyer, equipped with the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS).