§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for what reason it is not proposed to arm the new Type 45 destroyers with Tomahawk cruise missiles; [158139]
(2) how many Tomahawk cruise missiles he estimates could be mounted on a Type 45 destroyer. [158140]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 4 March 2004]The principal role of the Type 45 destroyer will be Anti-Air Warfare. There is currently no requirement for the Type 45 to be fitted with Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM). If a requirement for TLAM arises in future, the Type 45 has been designed with substantial space and weight margins to enable its capability to be upgraded through life. We currently estimate that up to 16 TLAM missiles could be mounted on a Type 45 Destroyer.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to include(a) Tomahawk cruise missiles and (b) a larger-calibre turret gun in the armament of the Type 45 destroyer fleet. [158142]
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§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 4 March 2004]There is currently no requirement to fit Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles or a larger calibre gun to Type 45 destroyers. Should such a requirement arise, these modifications could be made.