§ 20. Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investment he estimates will be made in upgrading Nimrod aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [18054]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotFollowing the announcement on 25 July last year that British Aerospace had won the competition to supply the RAF's replacement maritime patrol aircraft, a contract was signed with BAe on 2 December 1996 for 21 Nimrod 2000 aircraft and a package comprising training, logistic support and post design studies. The procurement costs are estimated to be in the order of £2 billion.