Written question asked by Douglas Carswell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 July 2011. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 July 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Beyond Visual Air-to-Air Missile Programme

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent progress his Department has made on the Beyond Visual Air-to-Air Missile programme; and if he will make a statement;

Answer: The six nation Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) programme is currently in the final stages of its demonstration phase. Missile deliveries are on schedule to begin as planned in 2012. Integration onto Typhoon forms part of the programme, with an anticipated initial operating capability in 2015.As stated in the major projects report 2010, the estimated total cost of the UK share of the assessment, demonstration and manufacture phases of the BVRAAM programme is £1,325 million.Information relating to future in-service BVRAAM stock levels is being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security and because its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Secondary information