Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the changes that will be made to Sea Harrier to update it to FRS 2 standard.
§ Mr. SainsburyBlue Vixen target acquisition and tracking radar will replace the Blue Fox radar and advanced medium range air-to-air missiles will be added to complement Sidewinder missiles. These improvements will allow look-down detection and engagement of airborne targets in all weather conditions.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when work will commence on full updating of the Sea Harrier; and what is the cost of the programme.
§ Mr. SainsburyWork on updating the Sea Harrier started in 1983 at both British Aerospace and Ferranti. An incentive contract for the radar development and production was placed with Ferranti in that year and a similar contract for the aircraft will be concluded with British Aerospace shortly.