To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many weapons systems have been removed from ships in the Royal Navy because (a) of the need to make expenditure reductions, (b) they were no longer operationally needed and (c) for other reasons in the last 12 months. (210673)

As a result of agreed resource priorities, a decision was made in 2007 to remove sea dart weapon systems from two Type 42 Destroyers. Royal Navy Ships continue to be armed with weapon system capabilities required to meet their tasking.

I am withholding further details as their release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.