§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had about the effectiveness of the C-17; whether he has considered buying the four C-17s which are leased; what plans he has to expand 99 Squadron, using further C-17s; and if he will make a statement. [16262]
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§ Dr. MoonieThe C-17s, which achieved their in-service date three months ahead of schedule, have fully met our expectations and performed well in Operation Essential Harvest and Exercise Saif Sareea 2. We have no current plans to purchase the leased C-17 aircraft or to expand 99 Squadron using further C-17s. The current arrangements meet the Short Term Strategic Airlift requirement and are expected to continue until the A400M enters service.