§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many existing Type 22 and Type 23 Frigates will be equipped with the Merlin ASW helicopter. [80206]
§ Mr. SpellarType 23 Frigates are all designed to operate with Merlin helicopters. The number of ships which will be equipped with Merlin will, however, depend on the operational deployments of the individual vessels. Type 22 Frigates will not be equipped with Merlin helicopters.