HC Deb 25 October 2000 vol 355 cc132-3W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recommendations the Government received pertaining to the installation of the cannon in the Eurofighter; for what reason a cannon was an original feature; and if he will make a statement. [134183]

Mr.Hoon

The cannon was originally included in the European Staff Requirement for Eurofighter as a close range air-to-air weapon. The improved minimum range capability of Eurofighter's Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile over previous such missiles, together with the pattern of operations over the last decade, mean that the gun now has only a minimal operational utility, and this is outweighed by its support, fatigue and training cost implications.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Prime Minister's answer of 17 July 2000, Official Report, column 2W, on Eurofighter, if he will define offensive air support in the context of his reply; and to what extent the 27 mm Mauser cannon was identified as an asset in that role of the Eurofighter. [134199]

Mr. Hoon

Further to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's answer of 17 July, offensive air support is a term used to describe air action against hostile land targets which are either in close proximity to, or in a position directly to affect, friendly forces. The original European Staff Requirement for Eurofighter does not identify the cannon as an asset in that role.