1. The 1998 Strategic Defence Review[1] (SDR) highlighted the urgent need for the UK to improve its Strategic Lift capability—the ability to transport personnel, equipment and stores from the UK to operational theatres across the globe, by sea, land or air. Strategic Lift is vital for both launching and sustaining military operations.

2. During our visits to Afghanistan, Iraq and Cyprus in 2006, we heard concerns about the airbridge which transports Service personnel to and from the UK and operational theatres. On 15 February 2007, we announced an inquiry into Strategic Lift.[2] Our inquiry examined the progress of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in delivering the Strategic Lift requirements set out in the SDR and whether these requirements needed to be revisited given the experience of the operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Strategic air-lift was a particular concern given the age of many of the aircraft. We examined the progress of two major equipment programmes which are to deliver new transport aircraft (the A400M transport aircraft) and new tanker aircraft (the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft).

3. We held two oral evidence sessions, the first on 24 April 2007 with Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Kevin Leeson who was, until 5 April 2007, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Logistics Operations); Brigadier Jeff Mason, Director Defence Supply Chain Operations and Movements, MoD; and Air Commodore Anthony Gunby, Air Officer Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling, Headquarters 2 Group, Royal Air Force (RAF). These witnesses represented the military customer, tasker, and one of the providers of Strategic Lift (the RAF). The second oral evidence session on 22 May 2007 with Lieutenant General Andrew Figgures, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Equipment Capability) and Mr Tim Rowntree, Director General Air Support, was followed by representatives of Airbus, the prime contractor for the A400M programme.

4. We received written evidence from the MoD, defence companies, and others.[3] We are grateful to all those who contributed to our inquiry including our specialist advisers.

2   http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/defence_committee/def070215___no__25.cfm Back

3   Ev 1-51 Back