Written question asked by Bill Tynan (Labour) on Thursday, 15 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 June 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many sorties were flown by Iraqi military (a) aircraft, (b) helicopters and (c) unmanned aerial vehicles during the recent conflict; how many were destroyed by Coalition forces; and how many are now in the possession of Coalition forces.

Answer: Mr. Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties were flown by Iraqi military (a) aircraft, (b) helicopters and (c) unmanned aerial vehicles during the recent conflict; how many were destroyed by Coalition forces; and how many are now in the possession of Coalition forces. [114834] Mr. Ingram: Since 19 March 2003, no sorties have been flown by Iraqi military aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles, although a number of helicopter sorties were flown in support of operations. Approximately 100 aircraft and 40 helicopters were destroyed by coalition forces during Operation TELIC and coalition forces are currently in control of approximately 400 aircraft, 250 helicopters and a number of unmanned aerial vehicles that remain in Iraq.

Secondary information