Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 26 April 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 April 2011. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Monday, 9 May 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Guided Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many dual mode Brimstone missiles his Department has ordered in each of the last six months;

Answer: In addition to our existing stocks, the Ministry of Defence placed an order for 150 Dual Mode Brimstone missiles in December 2010, the only one in the last six months.After contract placement, the Prime Contractor is contracted to spend six to nine months preparing the missiles for conversion and procuring materiel, after which they will be delivered in monthly batches. We are working closely with the Prime Contractor to ensure the continuing availability of Dual Mode Brimstone for Operations Herrick and Ellamy.The cost of this conversion is between £35,000 and £45,000 (excluding VAT) per missile dependent on quantities ordered.A range of weapons is currently being used for operations in Libya including Brimstone missiles, Paveway II, Paveway IV, Stormshadow missiles and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.

Secondary information