§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the service life is of the Royal Navy's stocks of Harpoon missiles; and what upgrade and refurbishment work is planned. [138430]
§ Mr. SpellarShip launched stocks of Harpoon missiles are planned to provide offensive anti-ship capability to the Royal Navy until 2025. Submarine-launched stocks of Harpoon missiles are currently planned to go out of service in 2003.
Regular maintenance and minor modification is carried out as required; there are presently no plans for a major missile refurbishment programme. Some modification work is being undertaken on Type 22 and Type 23 frigates 809W to enhance the missile system capability within coastal waters. Other options for increasing the Royal Navy's offensive capability are being considered, which may lead to an upgrade of some of the existing missile stock.