HL Deb 13 February 2003 vol 644 cc137-8WA
Baroness Pitkeathley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made on the award of a contract for the manufacture of the modified Sting Ray lightweight torpedo. [HL1654]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)

A £441 million contract has been placed with BAE Systems Electronics Ltd, Underwater Systems Division, for the manufacture of the modified Sting Ray lightweight torpedo, which will enhance the capability provided by the existing weapon system. The in-service variant of Sting Ray has been the main anti-submarine weapon carried by our surface ships and aircraft since 1983. While it continues to meet its design aims, the threat of a new generation of more advanced submarines, operating in both deep and coastal waters with ever more sophisticated counter-measures, requires an enhanced capability.

The modified Sting Ray torpedo will make best use of advancing technologies and will significantly enhance the capability and maintainability of the weapon system. It will combine the essential attributes of high speed and manoeuvrability, deep diving, low radiated noise, advance computer based intelligence and high warhead lethality. It will provide the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force with the world's most advanced lightweight torpedo from its planned in-service date of 2006.

The award of this contract to BAE Systems is excellent news for both our Armed Forces and the defence industry. It will sustain approximately 300 jobs across the UK. This is the culmination of work conducted by both the MoD and industry and is a good example of the principles of smart acquisition being put into practice to give our Armed Forces the equipment they need at an affordable price.