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Ministry of Defence;Defence Procurement Agency

Answer

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what current ISTAR capability and UAVs are available; what Smart Procurement guidelines have been set for the UAV acquisition project; and if he will make a statement. [139654] Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive if 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 current Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability and the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) acquisition project. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. The current ISTAR capability contributes in both the imaging and electronic analysis areas using a range of platforms across the three environments. These include the long range aircraft such as the SENTRY E-3D, tactical reconnaissance aircraft such as the Jaguar and the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier, and land-based systems such as the recently introduced ODETTE electronic support system. In the future, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) platform with its synthetic aperture radar and moving target indicator capability as well as improved tactical reconnaissance systems and enhanced land and maritime electronic analysis systems, will be introduced into service. The PHOENIX system is currently the only UAV asset within the ISTAR inventory. Originally developed as a Target Acquisition and Surveillance system, PHOENIX has now completed two operational tours where it has been used as part of the overall requirements for ISTAR. Within the context of Smart Acquisition guidelines and to optimise the overall requirements for a future ISTAR capability, a series of studies is in place aimed at identifying the most effective mix of both manned and unmanned assets. With regard to UAVs, the WATCHKEEPER project, as a part of this overall investment analysis, is seeking to establish the most cost-effective whole-life solutions and the optimum balance of investment in new, existing assets or a combination of the two. The UAV programme is being managed by an Integrated Project Team (IPT) bringing together the main stakeholders who have an interest in the ISTAR assets and the products they deliver. Industry has been involved from an early stage in an open and constructive relationship and has assisted in the development of the emerging requirements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

357 c492-3W; 139654

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Defence Army Defence equipment Military aircraft Surveillance Unmanned air systems

Link

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