§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government intend to build new aircraft to fulfil the manned aircraft element of the future offensive air strategy; and if he will make a statement. [70626]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 17 July 2002]The future offensive air system is currently in the concept phase with a planned in service date of around 2017. We are currently looking at a potential mix of platforms including long range cruise missiles, uninhabited air combat vehicles and manned aircraft. No final decisions have been taken on the solution.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the X-45 in order to fulfil the requirements of the unmanned element of the future offensive air strategy; and if he will make a statement. [70627]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 17 July 2002]We are at the early stages of evaluating ways in which unmanned aircraft could contribute to our future offensive air system (FOAS) capability. As part of our continuing dialogue with United States colleagues, we have discussed the X-45 vehicle. But we have made no formal assessment of the X-45; and nor have we yet taken any decisions about developing or acquiring specific unmanned aircraft in relation to FOAS.