To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Challenger main battle tanks and Warrior armoured fighting vehicles are (a) available to the Army and (b) deployed on operations. (107298)

There are currently 345 Challenger 2 main battle tanks and 794 Warrior armoured fighting vehicles (all variants) available to the Army. Of these 276 Challenger 2 tanks and 687 Warrior armoured fighting vehicles are in service and therefore either currently deployed or available for immediate deployment. ‘In service’ is defined as equipment that is not in deep maintenance, repair, storage or training.

I am withholding information regarding the number of Challenger 2 main battle tanks and Warrior armoured fighting vehicles deployed on operations as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice operational security and could place our servicemen and women in danger of potential harm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the main investment decision for the future Rapid Effect System has been made; and when the British Army will be given the opportunity to trial the new vehicle. (102214)

[holding answer 29 November 2006]: The Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) is currently in its initial assessment phase, so the main investment decision has not yet been taken. The programme is moving forward with evaluation of options in close dialogue with industry. On current plans a series of trials will be run in 2007 to assess the current performance of candidate utility vehicles and their potential to meet our requirements.