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Military Aircraft: Procurement

Volume 468: debated on Wednesday 28 November 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cost limit applies to the purchase of the (a) Eurofighter Typhoon and (b) Joint Strike Fighter aircraft; and how many of each he plans to buy. (167362)

The estimated cost of the Eurofighter Typhoon programme is commercially sensitive information which is protected in order to maintain our negotiating position for future acquisitions on the Typhoon programme. The UK has undertaken, through international MOU arrangements, to procure 232 Typhoon aircraft in three tranches. So far, the UK has contracted for the delivery of two tranches, comprising 144 aircraft. Decisions on tranche 3 will be taken in due course, in conjunction with our partner nations, once we have analysed and considered the relevant information.

With regard to the cost of joint combat aircraft, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 October 2007, Official Report, column 974W, and 30 October 2007, Official Report, column 1356W, noting that the procurement cost given includes development and non-recurring costs.