asked Her Majesty's Government:

What impact on the future availability of airlift capability for the Royal Air Force is expected from delays in the A400M programme; what was the original target price per aircraft; and what is now the anticipated price. [HL5933]

We are naturally concerned by delays to the A400M programme and are currently in discussions with the contractor about this. The department keeps its airlift capability planning under review and is considering contingency plans to mitigate any potential capability gaps caused by slippage in the A400M programme.

I am withholding the contracted unit price of the A400M aircraft as this is commercially sensitive.