Mastiff availability has never dropped below the critical 85 per cent. availability rate. We work hard to ensure that sufficient spares are delivered to our forces; in the vast majority of cases adequate re-supply to theatre takes place in a timely fashion. A number of measures are being introduced to improve the operational availability of the Mastiff fleet on operations in both theatres. In particular we have put in place an agreement with the US manufacturer to allow the UK Integrator to manufacture, and also to be able to procure spares direct from source. In addition we have established a spares handling warehouse within the US, exclusively to meet UK requirements.
I am withholding the precise number of Mastiff vehicles currently deployed in Afghanistan as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence continually reviews the requirements for protected mobility and where necessary deploys additional resources. As the Prime Minister announced on 8 October 2007, another 140 Mastiff are being purchased by the Ministry of Defence to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am withholding the precise number of Viking vehicles currently deployed in Afghanistan as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence continually reviews the requirements for protected mobility and where necessary deploys additional resources. There are no current plans to deploy additional Viking vehicles to support operations in Afghanistan.