HC Deb 07 February 1994 vol 237 c115W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the objectives of the common affordable lightweight fighter programme.

Mr. Aitken

The common affordable lightweight fighter programme is sponsored by the United States Department of Defense. Its overall objective is to demonstrate, through flight testing, technologies to enable the development of a lightweight fighter aircraft of modular design. It is intended that the developed aircraft will have an advanced short takeoff and landing variant and a conventional takeoff and landing variant, sharing common designs of modules of engine, airframe and avionics. Cost reduction of design and manufacturing processes, is a major objective of the programme.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the United Kingdom to join the common affordable lightweight fighter programme; and on what terms.

Mr. Aitken

We hope to join the risk reduction phase of the United States common affordable lightweight fighter programme this summer, subject to mutual agreement of terms that are still under consideration by both countries.