Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2009. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maximum number of (a) Royal Navy and (b) Royal Air Force helicopters is which could be deployed in Afghanistan.

Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford (Mr. Davies) gave on 17 June 2009, Official Record, column 338W, to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox).Helicopters and crews from all three services continue to serve with distinction in Afghanistan. We have already deployed to Afghanistan the maximum number of helicopters that are both properly equipped for the challenges of the operational theatre, and that we can sustain on an enduring basis. While it would be possible to surge additional helicopters into theatre on a temporary basis, this would be unsustainable over time and would severely impact upon the achievement of harmony guidelines for helicopter air and ground crews and training of new and existing crews. We are working hard to increase the number of deployed helicopters but we need to do so sustainably. That is why we have been investing in additional aircraft and crews, logistics and infrastructure, as well undertaking significant modifications to our existing helicopter fleet to enhance their capabilities.Helicopter capability is measured by flying hours rather than airframe numbers. The helicopter fleet is managed to ensure that our operational and other commitments are met, including an 84 per cent. increase in flying hours in Afghanistan between November 2006 and April 2009.

Secondary information