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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the comparative effectiveness in their air defence roles of (a) fixed-wing carrier-borne aircraft, (b) modernised Type 42 destroyers and (c) future Type 45 destroyers. [90103] Mr. Ingram: United Kingdom maritime forces normally operate as part of a Task Group, which protects itself against air attack through a series of `layered' defences. Task Groups typically include carrier and/or land based fixed wing aircraft as an outer layer. Inside and complementary to this, the Type 42 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers (and also Type 22 and 23 Frigates) are equipped to provide an air defence capability for both Force and self protection. The Type 42 Destroyers systems are being enhanced to ensure they remain effective in the air defence role. The Type 42 Destroyers will be replaced by the Type 45 Destroyers, fitted with the highly capable Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS). PAAMS will represent a significant improvement in Air Defence capability compared with that provided by the current Type 42 Destroyer fitted with Seadart. Key improvements will include better surveillance, increased channels of fire, a larger magazine capacity and a faster, more manoeuvrable missiles. The comparative effectiveness of these complementing layers has been successfully demonstrated in many recent National, NATO and Allied exercises and proven in the Gulf and Adriatic conflicts to adequately protect a Task Group.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

90103; 397 c701-2W;397 c699-700W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Defence Defence equipment Military aircraft Standards Warships Aircraft carriers Type 45 destroyers Type 42 destroyers

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk