Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 December 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 21 January 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement by the Prime Minister of 12 December 2007, Official Report, column 304, on Afghanistan, how many civilian helicopters his Department estimates NATO will lease for use in Afghanistan; whether the leased helicopters will operate in Regional Command South; what defensive aides suites the leased helicopters will have; when he expects the first leased helicopter to enter Afghanistan; for how long each contract will last; how much each contract will cost; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: NATO will lease a mix of aircraft suitable to carry the contracted 13,000kg of freight per day. They will be used throughout Afghanistan, including in Regional Command South. The first aircraft is expected to enter Afghanistan in early 2008, on a one year contract with the option to extend for a second. I am withholding details of the defensive aids for these helicopters as it would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of NATO forces. I am also withholding information on the cost of the contract as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 470 c1576W; 175459
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Afghanistan
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects: Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk