§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he intends to take to improve the RAF air defence capabilities into the next century. [19064]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIn order to improve our air defence capability pending the introduction of Eurofighter, we have decided that, subject to the agreement of satisfactory contractual terms and conditions, a contract will be placed with British Aerospace to upgrade the RAF's Tornado F3 aircraft to make them capable of carrying advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and advanced short-range air-to-air missiles.
Together with the radar improvements and joint tactical information distribution system with which the aircraft is already being equipped, this upgrade will greatly enhance the capability of the Tornado F3 and provide the Royal Air Force with an up-to-date beyond visual range missile capability. The overall programme is expected to cost £125 million.