HC Deb 11 July 2000 vol 353 cc448-9W
Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to acquire a future naval airborne early warning capability; and if he will make a statement. [129228]

Dr. Moonie

We plan to acquire a Future Organic Airborne Early Warning (FOAEW) system to replace the capability currently provided by Sea King airborne early warning helicopters. FOAEW will operate from the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) and complement the deployment of the Future Carrier Borne Aircraft (FCBA). It will mount powerful radar systems to provide wide sensor coverage against both air and surface threats, and command and control for operations by the carrier air group. Expressions of interest for participation in the programme were sought from industry in February 2000. The planned in-service date for FOAEW is 2012.

Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Sea King airborne early warning variants are in service; how old they are; and how many are operationally available. [129229]

Dr. Moonie

There are 13 Sea King Airborne Early Warning helicopters in service. Of these, nine are operationally available, with the remainder undergoing major maintenance programmes and a capability upgrade. Ten of the airframes were first delivered to the Royal Navy between 1969 and 1971 and converted to the Airborne Early Warning variant between 1982 and 1987. The other three airframes first entered Service as in between 1985 and 1986, being converted during 1997 and 1998.

Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to withdraw the(a) Sea King airborne early warning and (b) Type 22 Batch II frigates from service. [129230]

Mr. Spellar

There are currently no plans to withdraw the Sea King Airborne Early Warning (Mk 2/7) aircraft from service.

Plans for the withdrawal from service of the Type 22 Batch 2 frigates currently in service are as follows:

HMS Sheffield 2012—to be superseded by a T45 Destroyer

HMS Coventry 2001—to be superseded by HMS St. Albans, a T23 Frigate.