VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Merlin Helicopters

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 27 March 2025UIN 40430

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to approve the Merlin Out of Service Date Extension Programme.

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.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim