Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 20 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 22 October 2010. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 October 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Aircraft: Guided Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which aircraft in the RAF can use the (a) Harpoon AGM-84 D and (b) Sting Ray missile.

Answer: No RAF aircraft have the capability to carry these weapon systems; indeed the Harpoon AGM-84D variant was withdrawn from service in 2004. However, the Royal Navy (RN) retains a variety of platforms capable of using both Sting Ray and Harpoon, or other weapons systems with a similar capability. In the anti-shipping role, RN Frigates are fitted with Harpoon, while Lynx helicopters carry the Sea Skua missile. Both RN Merlin and Lynx helicopters are capable of delivering the Sting Ray Torpedo.

Secondary information