§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) research, (b) development and (c) procurement studies for unmanned aerial vehicles his Department has (i) commissioned and (ii) evaluated. [22590]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotMy Department maintains an active programme of research into technologies relevant to unmanned aerial vehicles, focusing on uses in support roles such as surveillance, target acquisition and communication relay. Development studies are in progress on more realistic targets for air-to-air weapon systems, which could have wider application to UAVs. A study into alternative systems to meet the Army's Phoenix requirement has been undertaken, while an agreed programme of work is conducted by the contractor at its own expense. This study assessment has been completed and is now being evaluated.