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Ministry of Defence;Defence Procurement Agency

Answer

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been allocated for the acquisition programmes for FSCS and TRACER; when he expects them to be operational; and if he will make a statement. [139655] Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 28 November 2000: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence on the collaborative Future Scout and Cavalry System/Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (TRACER) programme seeking information on programme cost and operational dates. These matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. The total cost to the UK of the Feasibility and Project Definition phases of TRACER is some £131M. The budget for the remaining acquisition phases of TRACER has not yet been finalised pending the outcome of Balance of Investment studies, which are under way. As indicated in my letter dated 22 November these studies are designed to determine the most cost-effective balance of numbers and capabilities between TRACER and Unmanned Air Vehicles, in meeting the battlefield commander's critical information requirements. The in-service date for TRACER, which is defined as one Formation Reconnaissance Squadron fully equipped and supportable on operations, is currently estimated to be October 2008.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

357 c492W; 139655

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Armoured fighting vehicles Procurement Tactical reconnaissance armoured combat equipment requirement

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk