§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's involvement is in research and development of a successor system to the Harpoon missile. [50784]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 18 April 2002]: There are currently no plans to replace the Harpoon missile, which it is planned will remain in service with air and surface units for some considerable time. The Ministry of Defence is not therefore undertaking research and development for a successor system.
A project to enhance the Anti Surface Warfare offensive capability of the Royal Navy's surface ships is currently in the concept stage; as part of this a minor study has been undertaken to assess the performance of improvements to the existing Harpoon missile, which could form a potential solution should the requirement be confirmed.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the future air-to-surface guided weapon; and which Royal Navy helicopters will be equipped with this weapon when it becomes operational. [50782]
265W
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 18 April 2002]: The Future Air-to-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW) programme is early in its concept stage. The programme aims to provide the core offensive anti-surface warfare capability currently delivered by the Sea Skua missile carried by Royal Navy Lynx helicopters. On current planning assumptions, when FASGW enters service it will be carried by the Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft.