§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the current total estimated cost of(a) the development and (b) the production of the European fighter aircraft; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will publish the latest estimates of the costs associated with the European fighter aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenThe current estimated cost of EF2000 development to the United Kingdom is some £3.4 billion. Production is likely to cost £8.3 billion at current prices. The estimated total project cost, comprising the costs of development, production and integrated logistic support, is some £13.1 billion. After allowances made for inflation, the real increase in project costs since the start of development is less than 10 per cent., which is unwelcome but not unexpected for a collaborative project of this magnitude and technical complexity.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current estimated maintenance costs for one European fighter aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenIt is not possbile to be certain about the operating cost, including maintenance and repair, until a substantial number of development flying hours have been accumulated. However, the contractual specification for the aircraft calls for a significantly better level of reliability than for current RAF in-service aircraft.