§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the terms of reference of the Technical Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme established to address the technical requirements of a United Kingdom ballistic missile defence programme; and if he will make a statement on their work since establishment. [92963]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme is a three year programme which was initiated following the Strategic Defence Review. It forms part of the Corporate Research Programme. Its purposes are (i) to monitor developments in the potential threat and the technologies available to counter it and (ii) to establish a position from which a national requirement for fielding an active ballistic missile defence system could be developed, should one become necessary. The programme focuses on the characteristics of ballistic missiles, the performance of radar and other sensors, the guidance of interceptors, and their potential to defeat ballistic missile warheads including those containing biological or chemical agents.