§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what consultations he has had with allies on the provision of theatre missile defence capabilities for UK troops when on joint operations; [104343]
(2) if he will make a statement on the UK's theatre missile defence capabilities; and what plans he has to increase theatre missile defence capabilities; [104344]
(3) what provisions he has made for theatre missile defence for troops on deployment if no capabilities have been provided by the UK's allies. [104342]
§ Mr. IngramThe United Kingdom is continuing its work on the risks posed by ballistic missiles and on the technologies available to counter them. We remain in regular contact with allies about such matters and continue to co-operate with NATO in their feasibility 309W studies on how best to defend deployed NATO forces through active theatre missile defence. Decisions about the need to increase theatre missile defence capabilities will be taken in light of the outcome of these studies.
Defence against ballistic missiles has several components. Arms control, preventing supply and deterring use all have a part to play alongside defence against use. Military planning therefore includes consideration of how actively to prevent the use of ballistic missiles through threat reduction operations. Passive defensive steps are also considered, including the dispersal of forces and the provision of equipment to protect against the use of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.
United Kingdom armed forces operate with an appropriate range of capabilities and take into account what may be provided by coalition partners.