§ Mr. CannTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to improve the UK's airborne surveillance capability. [90174]
§ Mr. SpellarWe are improving the UK's airborne surveillance capability in several ways. We have announced our intention to buy ASTOR, a high technology airborne ground surveillance system, which will substantially enhance our current capability. We are also 229W procuring RAPTOR, a long-range reconnaissance sensor pod to be fitted to Tornado GR4, which will provide a day/night real time capability. We are modifying the radar in the E-3D sentry aircraft to counter improvements in stealth technology and missile capabilities and we are also upgrading the electronic reconnaissance capability of the Nimrod R. Also, in addition to the Phoenix Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV system, which has already successfully entered service, we are considering procurement of further UAV systems for surveillance purposes.