§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Challenger II tanks are(a) undergoing desertification, (b) fully serviceable and (c) 1, 2, 3, 4th line inserviceable, broken down by regiment. [92133]
§ Mr. IngramAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced in the House on 20 January 2003, 120 Challenger 2 tanks are to be deployed in support of current contingency planning. It is expected that all of these will be modified to improve their performance in desert conditions. In addition to the Challenger 2 tanks that we are modifying for contingency operations, consideration is being given to modifying further Challenger 2s. This decision does not in any way effect those tanks deploying, and will therefore be taken as part of the routine equipment planning process. I will write to the hon. Member with details of availability.