Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many regular Challenger 2 crew have passed annual crew tests on the platform at what level in each year since 2010.

Challenger 2 crew consist of a total of four personnel which includes driver, gunner, loader/operator and commander. There are six levels of Annual Crew Tests for Challenger 2 crews. The number of reserve and regular crews to have completed Annual Crew Tests on Challenger 2 by year is shown in the table below. 2016 is the first year that Reserve crews have completed Annual Crew Tests on Challenger 2.

We do not routinely comment on specific levels of readiness for individual capabilities as to do so would compromise operational security, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. As such the table shows the total number of crews who have passed an individual crew test; not the level which they have passed.