A159 Wildcat Helicopter Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

A159 Wildcat Helicopter

Lord Berkeley Excerpts
Monday 9th January 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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Naturally, that is being looked at in the context of the Government’s wider industrial strategy, but the 10-year industrial strategic partnership arrangement we have with Leonardo will act as a driver and influence to ensure that that company focuses on using the skills and expertise available in this country over the medium to long term.

Lord Berkeley Portrait Lord Berkeley (Lab)
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My Lords, when the Government published a statement last week saying that the new aircraft carrier to be launched this year would dramatically increase Britain’s firepower in the defence of the world, did they understand whether there would be any planes to fly on this aircraft carrier, or are they relying on helicopters, machine guns or whatever?

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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We have already taken delivery of seven F35E aircraft for the “Queen Elizabeth” aircraft carrier. There are more to come. Indeed, we accelerated the procurement programme when we announced the results of the SDSR in 2015. The “Queen Elizabeth” aircraft carrier will be fully manned and fully equipped when she is ready to sail.