Written Question·Ministry of Defence·UIN 16254

Merlin Helicopters: Early Warning Systems

Tabled: 6 July 2026

Answered: 13 July 2026

Question

James MacCleary

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is his planned in-service date for a replacement for the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning system.

Answer

Luke Pollard

The Royal Navy's Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control capability, which provides the Airborne Early Warning function from Merlin Mk2 helicopters for the Carrier Strike Group, has an Out of Service Date of 31 December 2029. The Defence Investment Pl...

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