Written question asked by Lord Davies of Stamford (Conservative) on Friday, 10 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Friday, 17 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the service life is of the Royal Navy's stocks of Harpoon missiles; and what upgrade and refurbishment work is planned. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Quentin Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the service life is of the Royal Navy's stocks of Harpoon missiles; and what upgrade and refurbishment work is planned. [138430] Mr. Spellar: Ship launched stocks of Harpoon missiles are planned to provide offensive anti-ship capability to the Royal Navy until 2025. Submarine-launched stocks of Harpoon missiles are currently planned to go out of service in 2003. Regular maintenance and minor modification is carried out as required; there are presently no plans for a major missile refurbishment programme. Some modification work is being undertaken on Type 22 and Type 23 frigates to enhance the missile system capability within coastal waters. Other options for increasing the Royal Navy's offensive capability are being considered, which may lead to an upgrade of some of the existing missile stock.

Secondary information