§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the operational and financial implications for the RAF of the sale of Tornadoes to Oman and Saudi Arabia, and the diverting of these aircraft from the RAF re-equipment programme.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 23 June 1986, c. 27]: Every effort is being made to minimise the operational and financial implications for the RAF of these sales. The effects of the Omani sale are, in any case, likely to be very small. However, the diversion of aircraft and equipment in support of the Saudi sale will have some temporary effect on the build up of the Tornado force and, in particular, will lead to a short delay in the build-up of the Tornado GR1 reconnaissance force. As my predecessor announced to the House on 26 February, at column 960, aircraft and weapons diverted to Saudi Arabia will be replaced at no cost to the defence budget, thereby minimising the budgetary impact.