To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many helicopters are in service in the armed forces; and what the (a) target and (b) actual number of each type of helicopter fit for purpose is. (279950)

“In Service” has been taken to mean the effective fleet which covers all aircraft barring those which are redundant, declared as surplus or awaiting disposal.

“Fit for Purpose” aircraft are those in the forward fleet ie available to Front Line Commands for operational and training purposes (including those that are classed as “short term unserviceable”) that are considered capable of carrying out their planned missions on a given date.

The number of helicopters “Fit for Purpose” varies from day to day due, primarily, to routine maintenance requirements. Therefore, the figures in the table are averages for May 2009:

Operational capability is measured in terms of flying hours rather than the number of airframes available. All rotary wing operational requirements are currently being met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has for the replacement of the Royal Navy's fleet of Lynx helicopter at the end of its service life. (280087)

The Wildcat will replace the current Army and Royal Navy Lynx helicopter fleets from 2014 and 2015 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the monetary value is of his Department's contract for the upgrade of Puma helicopters; and if he will make a statement. (280088)

No contract for the upgrade of the Puma helicopters has been placed.