Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the Lightning II's combat capability against the (a) Chinese J-20, (b) Russian Sukhoi PAK FA and (c) Russian Su-35S fighter aircraft; [201935]

(2) what assessment he has made of the Lightning II's combat capability against the Russian (a) NNIIRT 55Zh6M Nebo Mobile and (b) Almaz-Antey S-400 / SA-21 Growler SAM System radar systems; [201936]

(3) what assessment he has made of the extent to which overseas espionage has compromised the fighting ability of the Lightning II; and if he will make a statement; [201971]

(4) what the loss/exchange ratio for the Lightning II is. [202105]

Mr Dunne, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology (including Defence Exports): The Lightning II aircraft is specifically designed to operate in a contested environment. Regular simulator work and operational analysis is carried out to confirm the system's performance and operational test of the aircraft is planned to do the same. The air system currently meets or exceeds our requirements. I am withholding the level of detail requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

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