§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether NATO uses Ariane launchers and if not why not.
§ Lord GlenarthurNATO has not so far used an Ariane launcher. The eligibility and selection of a company to provide launch vehicles for its satellites is a matter for NATO itself. Strictly commercial criteria apply to the award of contracts, in accordance with NATO's procurement policy. NATO recently selected a US launcher for the first satellite in its latest series following these rules.