§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the ability of the Rapier missile to provide adequate ground-based air defence for British forces for the foreseeable future; [143342]
(2) what plans he has to upgrade the air defence capability provided by the Rapier missile system. [143339]
§ Dr. MoonieThe in-service Rapier Mark 2 missile will, as part of the Rapier missile system, provide short-range ground based air defence against the envisaged threat out to around 2010.
Plans to upgrade the air defence capability provided by the Rapier missile system from around 2010 are being studied as part of the UK's Integrated Ground Air Defence (IGBAD) programme. The IGBAD programme takes a holistic approach to investment in the UK's GBAD capability in the 2010–20 time frame. The goal of the programme is to reduce the cost of ownership of GBAD equipment, and to maintain operational capability and effectiveness against the emerging threat within budgetary limitations.