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Merlin Helicopters

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 27 March 2025UIN 40429

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what approvals process is required for the Merlin Out of Service Date Extension Programme; and what the timescale is for that process.

Answered by Maria Eagle

The Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopter Out-of-Service Date Extension Programme, to retain the capability in service from 2029-30 until 2040, is currently underway through standard Ministry of Defence processes. The Outline Business Case was approved in October 2023. A Review Note was approved in December 2024. Departmental Spend Control Approvals are currently considering whether to commit expenditure for this Programme in 2025-26. The forecast for a Full Business Case submission is in early 2027.

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