Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Monday, 15 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 April 2002. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 April 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's involvement is in research and development of a successor system to the Harpoon missile. (Holding answer 18 April 2002).

Answer: Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's involvement is in research and development of a successor system to the Harpoon missile. [50784] Dr. Moonie: [holding answer 18 April 2002]: There are currently no plans to replace the Harpoon missile, which it is planned will remain in service with air and surface units for some considerable time. The Ministry of Defence is not therefore undertaking research and development for a successor system. A project to enhance the Anti Surface Warfare offensive capability of the Royal Navy's surface ships is currently in the concept stage; as part of this a minor study has been undertaken to assess the performance of improvements to the existing Harpoon missile, which could form a potential solution should the requirement be confirmed.

Secondary information