Only half of UK's military aircraft 'fit for purpose' - Minister
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, June 27, IRNA
UK-Military Aircraft
Only around half of Britain's fleet of military aircraft were available for frontline service in April and May this year, according Britain's Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram.
Asked about the availability in a written parliamentary question published Tuesday, Ingram said that he had figures described as "fit for purpose" that are assessed for being available for tasking within a 24 hour period.
"On that basis, over the first two months of this financial year, about 480 aircraft across Strike Command, Joint Helicopter Command and the Royal Navy were fit for purpose, equating to around half of total fleet numbers," he said.
The minister told MPs that aircraft are not available for tasking "if they are undergoing scheduled maintenance, modification programs or any unforeseen rectification work."
But he added that an aircraft assessed as not fit for purpose "may be returned to the front line at very short notice to meet the operational need." Some training aircraft and helicopters are not included in these figures, he also said.
MPs have repeatedly raised questions on whether the UK has enough aircraft, especially helicopters, to support ground troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In April, the parliamentary Defence Committee expressed concern about the size of air support in Afghanistan, in particular in relation to the small number of helicopters that are being given extensive roles.
Last week, Defence Minister Lord Drayson finally conceded that the government was carrying out a review of its new deployment in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, including whether there is a shortage of helicopters.
2220/345/1430/1412
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