§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons there was a delay in the provision of trials aircraft for the development of the Brimstone missile. [162641]
§ Mr. IngramThe delay was due to a later than planned delivery of a trials aircraft from the Tornado upgrade programme.
§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his intention that the Brimstone missile will supplant the use of the RBL755 cluster bomb in the anti-armour role; and if he will make a statement. [162642]
§ Mr. IngramBrimstone is an advanced air-launched anti-armour weapon designed to defeat modem and future main battle tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles by precision attack. It is intended that the Brimstone missile will replace the RBL755 in the anti-armour role.