Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Monday, 4 April 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 April 2011. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 May 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Guided Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether the contracts for the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy) Anti-Navire Légère system are to be renegotiated as part of the review process within his Department; whether he plans to review the requirement for this system; and if he will make a statement;

Answer: 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.There are no plans to re-negotiate the Ministry of Defence contract with MBDA UK for the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy)/Anti Navire Léger programme (FASGW(H)) which is currently in the assessment phase of the acquisition cycle and planned to complete later this year.The Department estimates that it will spend about £1.7 million on the FASGW(H) programme in financial year 2011-12. As the project is in its assessment phase, the overall cost and in-service date have yet to be finalised. They will be considered as part of the departmental planning and approvals process leading to main gate approval, currently planned for later in financial year 2011-12, and subsequent procurement.

Secondary information