§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the states supporting the A400M aircraft project have indicated that they would purchase the aircraft; how many each would purchase; and when the first aircraft could be in service with the RAF. [104405]
§ Mr. KilfoyleNone of the seven nations involved in the A400M project has made a contractual commitment to purchase the aircraft although two nations have declared a preference for the A400M. Each of the nations is addressing, within their national assessment programmes, the issue of the number of aircraft needed to fulfil their national air transport requirements but have not yet made firm decisions. We expect the aircraft selected to fulfil our Future Transport Aircraft requirement to enter service with the RAF in the latter half of this decade.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement on the A400M project. [105555]
§ Mr. KilfoyleWe continue to aim to reach a decision in the early part of this year on our Future Transport Aircraft requirements. A400M is one of the aircraft under consideration.