Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has plans to fit vertical launch cruise missiles on (a) Type 26 and (b) Type 31 frigates; and if he will make a statement.

The design of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship enables a broad and flexible choice of weapons throughout the service life of the ships. Final decisions regarding the exact weapons these ships will carry will be made closer to their in-service date.

Regarding the weapons specification and fit of the Type 31e Frigates, we have now entered the Competitive Design Phase and final decisions will be made at the Main Decision Investment point, taking into account the role of the vessel, operating environment and future threats.