§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will make an announcement on the preferred supplier for the short-term and long-term heavy lift aircraft. [122144]
Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will make a decision on his Department's participation in the A400M airbus project; and if he will make a statement. [122396]
§ Mr. HoonI announced on 16 May the Government's intention to procure 25 A400M aircraft, to be developed and produced by Airbus Military, to meet the strategic airlift needs of our Armed Forces in the medium to long term. In the interim we will meet our short term needs through lease of four C-17 aircraft from The Boeing Company. This investment in our strategic airlift capability delivers the major enhancements promised in the Strategic Defence Review and will ensure that our Armed Forces are properly equipped with the best equipment.