Written question asked by Tom Blenkinsop (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 March 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 March 2011. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Monday, 4 April 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Storm Shadow Missile

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of one Storm Shadow missile; and what assessment he has made of the value for money of the Storm Shadow missile.

Answer: [holding answer 28 March 2011]: Storm Shadow provides the UK with a unique capability for precision strike against high value hardened targets such, as command bunkers without exposing aircraft and crews to high threat levels. The missile was procured in co-operation with France following an international competition. Storm Shadow missiles which were contracted for in 1997 are now held on the Ministry of Defence's balance sheet at a value of some £790,000 per missile. This figure includes the costs of producing an integrated weapon system and not just the purchase cost of the missile. In addition, a further £160 million was incurred by the UK in development costs.The Ministry of Defence now takes a portfolio approach to procuring complex weapons. This was launched in April 2010 and will secure significant efficiencies across the breadth of the complex weapons portfolio over the next 10 years and beyond and is designed to meet the UK's military requirements and safeguard our sovereign capability.

Secondary information