§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts are being made to make the new medium-range surface-to-air missile interoperable with those of other countries or to produce it in conjunction with other countries.
§ Mr. GoodhartIn collaboration with France and the Federal Republic of Germany we are currently undertaking a pre-feasibility study into a medium range surface to air missile system to replace the improved Hawk and Bloodhound systems. Work is being shared on an equal basis and the leading United Kingdom contractor is British Aerospace Dynamics. It is planned that a feasibility study will commence in June 1982 between the same three countries, and we hope this will lead to a development and production programme. Should other allied countries wish to participate in future phases of the programme they will be encouraged to do so.