Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2005. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of (a) the Russian Kh-555 conventional missile and (b) what (i) technical and (ii) tactical advances this missile offers over the Kh-55 Granat missile; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of (a) the Russian Kh-555 conventional missile and (b) what (i) technical and (ii) tactical advances this missile offers over the Kh-55 Granat missile; and if he will make a statement. [216716] Mr. Hoon: The Kh-555 is Russia's new conventionally-armed air-launched cruise missile and is based on the Kh-55 nuclear-armed cruise missile that was developed during the cold war. Both missiles are expected to be carried by Tu-95 Bear and Tu-160 Blackjack bombers. The Kh-555 has been in development for a number of years. The nuclear warhead is replaced by a 500 kg class conventional warhead. These changes are likely to reduce the range of the Kh-555 to 2,500-3,000 km compared to the Kh-55 range of 3,000-3,500 km. When fully integrated into operational units, the Kh- 555 will provide Russia with the ability to strike high priority targets with precision from long ranges.

Secondary information