§ 6. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Air when the Lightning fighter aircraft will be fully operational; and what further improvements he has requested for future Lightning aircraft.
§ Mr. AmeryThe Lightning is fully operational now. The Mark 3 Lightning will have better performance in range, speed and altitude, more advanced electronic equipment, and will carry an improved air-to-air guided weapon.
§ Mr. CroninWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him to take steps to improve the development of fighter aircraft, bearing in mind that the Russian interceptor fighter squadrons are nearly all equipped with MiG 21s, which are, in some respects, superior to the Lightning?