§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the case, as reported in Aviation Week and Space Technology, 18th March 1996, that they are studying the purchase of six to nine U2s from the US, and, if so, what will be the cost of these aircraft and to what extent will they depend on US facilities for their functioning and maintenance.
Earl HoweThe MoD is assessing a wide range of options, including the U2 aircraft, which have the potential to satisfy the UK Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) requirement. All aspects of each option, including life cycle costs and the facilities required for operation and support, will be evaluated thoroughly before a decision on the way forward is made.