Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 3 March 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 March 2011. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Monday, 14 March 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Guided Missiles

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful firings of the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile there have been from each aircraft type since 2009.

Answer: Meteor is a six-nation collaborative programme involving the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden. There have been a total of six firings involving Gripen and Tornado aircraft since the beginning of 2009.1 am withholding more detailed information on the Meteor firing programme on the grounds that its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the UK and partner nations' armed forces and would be likely to prejudice international relations with the other Meteor partner nations.

Secondary information