§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the practicability of incorporating the US Mk 41 vertical launcher in the Type 45 destroyer; and if he will make a statement. [96033]
§ Mr. SpellarAn assessment was made of both the French SYLVER Vertical Launch System (VLS) and the Lockheed Martin Mk41 (Tactical length) VLS for the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) requirement. The French SYLVER was competitively selected, in preference to the Lockheed Martin Mk41. While the assessment concluded that both options would meet the PAAMS requirement and technically could be incorporated into the Type 45, the PAAMS package which offered the SYLVER launcher was chosen on the grounds of overall affordability and value for money.