Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 March 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 April 2017. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 April 2017 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Boeing P-8: Procurement

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect that testing and evaluation in the US of the Boeing-P8A aircraft being purchased by the UK will be completed.

Answer: The Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft being procured for the Royal Air Force is a mature capability that is already being operated by the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, therefore the initial test and evaluation of the aircraft is complete. However, through a programme of planned capability development and upgrades, the P-8A will progressively deliver yet further capability which provides confidence it will meet current and future UK key user requirements. The test and evaluation of these increments is therefore on-going.

Secondary information