Combat activities commenced on 20 March 2003 and ceased on 1 May 2003 spanning two financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04 totalling £2,158 million. All subsequent years are categorised as peacekeeping operations.
The costs of operations are calculated on a net additional basis and audited figures are published each year in the MOD’ Annual Report and Accounts. The total annual costs of operations in Iraq for the years 2002-03 to 2006-07 including the cost of combat activities are in the following table:
Operations in Iraq Expenditure on capital equipment Total 2002-03 629 218 847 2003-04 1,051 260 1,311 2004-05 747 163 910 2005-06 798 160 958 2006-07 787 169 956 Grand total 4,982
An estimated cost of £1,648 million for 2007-08 was included in the Spring Supplementary Estimates published in February, which is due to be voted on by Parliament shortly.