§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement in progress in introducing a new intermediate-range air-to-surface weapon system for RAF strike aircraft. [50005]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 17 April 2002]: The capability to attack surface targets at intermediate range (35 to 100 nautical miles from the delivery platform) from RAF strike aircraft has been given the title SPEAR (Selective Precision Effects At Range). Studies into how the SPEAR capability might be best achieved are still ongoing. However, work to date has indicated that one single system may not be the most cost-effective solution, as the required effects of SPEAR will vary according to the various scenarios and target types against which it is used. The capability may, therefore, need to be realised through improvements to weapons to enter service in the short to medium term, as well as the introduction of a new system (or systems). Time scales for the delivery of the capability will depend upon which solution is chosen.