§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the improvements in performance of the Nimrod 2000 over the existing aircraft; [18616]
(2) when the Nimrod 2000 aircraft will enter full service. [18594]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Nimrod Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack Mark 4, as the new aircraft will be known, should be significantly more capable, and cheaper to operate, than the current Nimrod MR2.
The in-service date is defined as the date when the first front line squadron of seven aircraft is declared operational. This is scheduled for April 2003. The final aircraft is planned for delivery in June 2006.