§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Air Force Tornado F.2 aircraft are currently in storage at RAF St. Athan; what is the reason for their withdrawal from service; what plans exist for their future disposal or use; and what is the estimated cost of implementing these plans.
§ Mr. Ian StewartIn the course of the initial production run of the Tornado F2 a number of design changes were made to this aircraft type which resulted in a significant improvement in capabilities. The improved aircraft, was designated the Tornado F3. Current plans are for all 18 original F2s to be updated in the early 1990s to a standard similar to that of the F3s. Whilst awaiting this upgrading, 14 of these aircraft are in storage at RAF St. Athan. No contract for the work to upgrade these aircraft has yet been negotiated.