Written question asked by Angela Watkinson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 July 2006. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 24 July 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armoured Vehicles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with defence manufacturers concerning armoured vehicles capable of withstanding improvised explosive devices.

Answer: I announced an urgent review of protected vehicles for operations on 26 June. Today in a written statement I confirmed that this review had highlighted the requirement for a protected vehicle with capabilities between those of the heavily armoured Warrior and the light and manoeuvrable SNATCH Land Rover. As the statement explained we shall buy around 100 additional Vector vehicles, up-armour a further 70 430 series armoured personnel carriers and introduce around 100 Cougar wheeled armoured vehicles.

Secondary information