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Written question asked by Madeleine Moon (Labour) on Thursday, 28 May 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2015. It was answered by Philip Dunne (Conservative) on Friday, 5 June 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Aircraft

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) Tornado and (b) Typhoon aircraft are (i) operationally ready for deployment, (ii) in maintenance, (iii) not fit for service and (iv) awaiting decommissioning; and if he will make a statement

Answer

The information requested is provided in the table.

Status

Tornado

Typhoon

Forward Available Fleet

57

91

Sustainment Fleet

31

36

Awaiting Decommissioning/Disposal

8

0

The Forward Available Fleet comprises those aircraft that are serviceable and ready for operational deployment or training, together with aircraft that are short-term unserviceable. Short-term unserviceable aircraft are undergoing minor works, forward maintenance or any other unforeseen rectification or technical inspection work that can arise on a day-to-day basis.

The Sustainment Fleet comprises those aircraft currently undergoing planned depth maintenance or upgrade programmes. It also includes airworthy aircraft that are currently held in temporary storage (e.g. to manage airframe flying hours). It excludes those which are redundant, declared surplus or awaiting decommissioning / disposal.

Awaiting decommissioning / disposal includes those aircraft which have been identified for the removal and potential recycling of assets prior to their eventual disposal.

The Ministry of Defence does not use the term 'Not fit for Service' in relation to military aircraft platforms.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
338
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Typhoon aircraft Tornado aircraft
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk