§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he intends to meet the RAF's future requirements for laser-guided bombs.
§ Mr. AitkenThe 1992 Statement on the Defence Estimates—paragraph 421—noted the remarkable results achieved in Operation Granby by precision-guided munitions and that we were reviewing the mix of precision and non-precision munitions in the RAF's inventory. I am pleased to announce that my Department is today inviting tenders for the supply of new advanced low-level laser-guided bombs. These bombs will, in part, replace our existing Paveway II laser-guided bombs; they will be more flexible and accurate, and effective against a wider range of possible targets.
19WThis competititive procurement is part of our programme to ensure that our armed forces continue to be provided with up-to-date and highly capable equipment.