§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Sea Harriers were delivered to the Royal Navy; and what is the life expectancy of a single aircraft of the class. [20077]
§ Dr. ReidThe Sea Harrier entered service in 1979. Since its entry to service the Sea Harrier has undergone a mid-life update to give it an increased capability. The currently planned out of service date for the Sea Harrier is 2012 although the aircraft will be phased out over a 3-year period, ending in 2015, during which time the aircraft will retain an operational role.