Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future establishment, equipment and role of the Royal Armoured Corps; and if he will make a statement. [204541]

Mr Francois, Minister of State for the Armed Forces: Under the Army 2020 structure, the Royal Armoured Corps will be formed of 10 Regular Regiments made up of three Armoured Regiments, three Armoured Cavalry Regiments and three Light Cavalry Regiments with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment continuing to support public duties and ceremonial commitments; four Reserve Regiments and one independent Regular squadron providing a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Area, Survey and Reconnaissance capability.

The overall establishment of the Royal Armoured Corps will be around 6,000.

The Armoured Regiments will continue in their existing role as direct combat units and will continue to be equipped with the Challenger 2 tank. From 2020, the Close Reconnaissance troop is planned to have the Scout Specialist Vehicle (SV).

The Armoured Cavalry Regiments will continue to provide a manned reconnaissance and surveillance capability. They will be equipped with Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) and, from 2020, the Scout SV.

The Light Cavalry Regiments will provide a highly mobile tactical reconnaissance capability in both mounted and dismounted roles, mainly equipped with Jackal and Coyote vehicles.

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