§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions there have been between the UK Government and the Australian Government on future strategic tanker and offensive air system programmes; and if he will make a statement. [109352]
§ Mr. IngramMinistry of Defence officials have discussed future offensive air systems with the Australian Government on a number of occasions. The United Kingdom and Australian Government are cooperating on work to demonstrate new technologies1254W that will allow cruise missiles to be safely launched from large transport aircraft. This work is part of the UK's Future Offensive Air System project, and is being carried out by MBDA UK Ltd.
Officials have also provided occasional briefings to Australia about our requirement and planned PFI procurement strategy for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA). FSTA was also discussed briefly during a meeting that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence held with Senator Robert Hill, Australian Defence Minister, on 12 November 2003.