§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the RAF's front-line attack aircraft possess a precision capability; and how many will have this capability by 2000. [17538]
§ Mr. FreemanAll front-line attack aircraft—Tornado GR1, Harrier, Jaguar—are capable of delivering precision weapons. We have in hand a series of programmes which will substantially improve our precision capabilities by the turn of the century. We plan to extend the provision of TIALD—thermal imaging airborne laser designator—pods and a contract has been placed for the supply of a new low level laser-guided bomb. We have issued an invitation to tender for conventially-armed stand-off-missile. This weapon is planned to come into service by the end of the century.