§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many heavy lift aircraft there are in the UK; and how many more will be acquired as a part of the Strategic Defence Review. [157862]
§ Mr. HoonThe Strategic Defence Review concluded that we needed to improve our strategic airlift capability to allow us to move forces and equipment quickly to an overseas theatre. In my statement on 16 May 2000,Official Report, columns 149–61, I announced the intention to order 25 A400M to fulfil our long-term outsize airlift requirements from the latter part of the decade.
I also announced that we would be leasing four C-17 aircraft to improve our strategic airlift capability until A400M enters service. This contract has now been signed and we expect to take delivery of the aircraft in May this year.
The RAF's heavy lift capability is currently provided by the following in-service aircraft types:
Aircraft type Number in-service C-130J 115 C-130K 239 VC10 C Mk 1 K 11 TriStar KC Mk 1 4 1Of the 25 ordered, 17 have been delivered to date, of which two are completing the acceptance process 2The C-130K fleet size is planned to reduce progressively to 26 aircraft as C-130J deliveries are completed