§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he placed the most recent orders for anti-tank missiles; and what studies are being undertaken into the design, availability and performance of future anti-tank missiles.
§ Mr. AitkenThe most recent orders for anti-tank guided missiles were placed as follows
151WSWINGFIRE final follow-on order; contract placed November 1987. TOW OTA (Overhead Top Attack) modified missiles; contract placed October 1987.The United Kingdom continues to participate in the development of third generation anti-tank guided missile programmes—both medium range and long range—known as TRIGAT, in collaboration with European partners. Proposals for the United Kingdom's future attack helicopter are being evaluated which include a long-range anti-tank missile system. In addition, studies are being undertaken into future technologies for anti-tank missiles beyond the turn of the century.