Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Jack Lopresti Excerpts
Monday 20th October 2014

(10 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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Around 37 combat missions have been undertaken by the Royal Air Force since Parliament gave that authority, and a further mission is being conducted today. Success is measured not simply by the number of airstrikes, but also by the intelligence gathered and the surveillance in support of ground forces. That has already had some success in pushing ISIL back to the civilian areas.

Jack Lopresti Portrait Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that to maintain our essential Apache helicopter capability a procurement decision for the upgrade must be made soon?

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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My hon. Friend is aware that the Ministry is considering a number of options to sustain the attack helicopter capability. We have not yet made a final decision on procurement strategy, but we expect to do so soon. Our existing fleet is due to remain in service until 2025, and in January this year we announced a £500 million package of support to keep the aircraft flying until 2019.