Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 July 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will acquire GPS tail kits for all RAF iron bombs.

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will acquire GPS tail kits for all RAF iron bombs. [129080] Mr. Spellar: On current plans, we aim to introduce an all-weather precision bombing capability in 2006. The Kosovo campaign confirmed the need to improve our capability in this area and we are examining the scope for advancing this date alongside other high priorities. Various technological solutions are available that could provide autonomous guidance for a weapon which meets this requirement, including the use of Global Positional System (GPS) technology. There is not considered to be a requirement to acquire all-weather guidance for all our bombs. Laser guided bombs such as Paveway 2 and 3 remain highly cost effective weapons in the majority of weather conditions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 129080; 353 c199W;353 c197W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Deployment Defence equipment Navigation Military aircraft Guided weapons Global positioning system
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk