RAF Air Tanker Programme

HC Deb 03 July 2001 vol 371 c97W

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the RAF air tanker programme. [2139]

Dr. Moonie

The future strategic tanker aircraft will replace the RAF's fleet of VC10 and TriStar air-to-air refuelling and air transport aircraft from around 2007. This will provide the RAF with a modern fleet that will ensure that our forces have truly global reach.

The programme is at the vanguard of smart acquisition, and the integrated project team is forging innovative partnerships with industry to develop a public-private partnership solution to the requirement. Initial bids for a PFI service are due in today prior to a detailed negotiation and assessment phase. We are currently planning to make a final investment decision around mid-2002.