To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which versions of the Harrier are operated by the Royal Air Force in Afghanistan; what the acquisition cost was of each aircraft; and what the average total operating cost is per hour of Harriers deployed in Afghanistan. (130014)

There are currently six GR7 and two GR9 Harrier aircraft operating in Afghanistan.

In the time available it has not been possible to trace the cost paid for these aircraft when first acquired. Their average historical cost is approximately £14 million. This was the value of the aircraft when first entered on the MOD's fixed asset register in financial year 1997-98.

The total cost per funded flying hour across the Harrier fleet is approximately £37,000. This includes forward and depth servicing, fuel, the cost of one Flight Lieutenant pilot, training support costs and the cost of capital charge and depreciation.