Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 17 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 April 2007. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Aircraft Carriers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the capability of the Royal Navy to execute carrier-based air superiority missions following the decommissioning of the Sea Harrier; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The primary function of carrier borne airpower is the direct support of ground operations, for which the Harrier GR7/GR9 aircraft are eminently suited. In an operation where there is a significant air threat to maritime forces, air defence will be provided by either land-based or coalition aircraft in addition to the sea-based air defence capability. In the future, the Joint Strike Fighter will give the joint force the ability to contribute to the full spectrum of fast jet air operations from either a carrier or a land base.

Secondary information