Written question asked by Caroline Dinenage (Conservative) on Friday, 2 September 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 September 2011. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 14 September 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of weapons used by UK forces in support of Operation Ellamy was represented by Brimstone and precision missiles.

Answer: From the start of current operations in Libya up till 1 September 2011, UK forces have employed around 1,100 precision guided munitions, 110 direct fire weapons, 4,100 rounds of direct fire 30 mm cannon rounds, and around 240 high explosive or illumination rounds from 4.5 inch naval guns. Therefore, excluding 30 mm cannon rounds, 76% of weapons employed were precision guided. We carefully select the type of weapon in every engagement to ensure the most appropriate munition is used to deliver the required effect, while minimising the risk of civilian casualties.The precision guided munitions used include Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone, Enhanced Paveway II, Paveway IV, Storm Shadow missiles and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. Direct fire munitions include Hellfire missiles and CRV-7 rockets.

Secondary information