Hansard

Air Defence Region

Volume 23: debated on Tuesday 4 May 1982

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Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report a list of measures taken since May 1979 to strengthen the air defence capability of the United Kingdom air defence region.

Mr. Blaker

Since May 1979 we have decided:

  • (a) to retain two Phantom squadrons instead of phasing them out as the Tornado F2 enters service;
  • (b) to equip 72 Hawk aircraft with Sidewinder air-to-air missiles;
  • (c) to form a reserve Lightning squadron;
  • (d) to modify additional VC10s for the air-to-air refuelling role;
  • (e) to improve the Phantom missile control system;
  • (f) to acquire an additional Marconi Martello 3-D radar for the United Kingdom air defence ground environment.