Asked by: George Kerevan (Scottish National Party - East Lothian)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 23 June 2015 to Question 3244, what capabilities and specifications have been decided on for the next generation of RAF maritime reconnaissance aircraft; and which specific defence industrial organisations have made representations to his Department on the supply of aircraft or equipment to fulfil that role.
Answered by Philip Dunne
No decisions have yet been taken on the capabilities and specifications of any potential new maritime patrol aircraft. Such issues are typically resolved at a later stage in the procurement process and, as stated in my response to Question 3244, no decision has been taken to acquire an aircraft, this will be decision for the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
I am withholding information on the details of the defence industrial organisations that have made representations to the Department, as it's disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
Asked by: George Kerevan (Scottish National Party - East Lothian)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with ADG Systems on employing that company's ex-RAF L1011 Tristar aircraft for military contract duties on behalf of the UK Government.
Answered by Philip Dunne
The Ministry of Defence has had no discussions with AGD Systems about a charter arrangement for ex-RAF TriStar aircraft.
Asked by: George Kerevan (Scottish National Party - East Lothian)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made in seeking a replacement for the Nimrod aircraft for the RAF's maritime reconnaissance capability; and what alternative aircraft platforms are under elevation for this role.
Answered by Penny Mordaunt - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
No decision has been taken to acquire a maritime patrol aircraft, and we have been clear for some time that the right point to look again at the requirement is in the Strategic Defence and Security Review, which is now under way. The capabilities required from such an aircraft have been studied by the Ministry of Defence over the past two and a half years, and during that time we have received representations from a number of defence industrial organisations