To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many problems have been reported with the Brimstone missile system (a) in operational situations and (b) during testing since it entered service. (316510)

There have been no reported problems with the original Brimstone missile system since it entered service in 2005. A variant, known as Dual Mode Seeker (DMS) Brimstone, was developed as an Urgent Operational Requirement; it entered operational service in 2008. Since then, two problems have been reported and these are being addressed in consultation with the prime contractor. Neither prevents the DMS Brimstone missile system being used operationally.