§ 33. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the measures his Department is taking to improve anti-submarine warfare capability.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAnti-submarine warfare (ASW) is an area of crucial strategic importance and because of the increasing capability of the Soviet submarine fleet, we place particular emphasis on our ASW capability. We have four of the new type 23 frigates, which are optimised for ASW, on order. We plan to increase the proportion of nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarines in our fleet and introduce the new powerful and quiet Upholder class of conventional submarine. The collaborative Anglo-Italian EH101 programme to develop a new ASW helicopter is proceeding; an initial order of 50 aircraft is envisaged. In addition we maintain continuing programmes of research and development and of enhancements to and new purchases of ASW weapons and sensors. For example, initial production of the new Spearfish heavyweight torpedo is under way, an improvement programme for the Tigerfish heavyweight torpedo is nearing completion and last year we placed a large order for the lightweight Stingray torpedo.