§ Mr. BradshawTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans to develop new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. [67669]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Strategic Defence Review set out our plans to replace our existing aircraft carriers from 2012 with two larger new-generation carriers, each capable of operating up to 50 aircraft, fixed wing and helicopters. The Invitation To Tender for the initial assessment phase of the CVF project has been released to industry today.
The new carriers will be acquired through SMART procurement methods, beginning with an assessment phase. This will have two main stages: first, the examination of a wide variety of carrier design options, which will also inform our choice of Future Carrier Borne Aircraft; and, secondly, detailed work to determine the carriers' design parameters and to reduce technological risk. The assessment phase is expected to be completed in 2003, paving the way for the full development and construction of the two new aircraft carriers.
An Integrated Project Team, IPT, of MOD and industry personnel will manage the procurement. As part of this new approach, the IPT's leader's post will be filled by open competition.