§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the airborne stand-off radar project; and if he will list the project milestones. [68501]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 3 February 1999]: The Airborne Stand-Off Radar, ASTOR, project is a long range theatre surveillance and target acquisition system required to operate in all weathers by day and night. The airborne component of the system will be fitted in a commercial business jet, which offers the best balance of payload, survivability, height capability and endurance.
The MOD is currently in the process of evaluating bids for the Full Development and Production phase of the project, and it would, therefore, not be appropriate to make specific comments on any aspect of the bids at this time. On current plans we aim to announce a decision on the project in the spring, and award a contract later this year. The In-Service Date will be dependent on the selected bid.