HC Deb 25 July 1974 vol 877 cc540-1W
Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he is satisfied with the size and efficiency of the anti-tank weapons currently operated by the British Armed Forces; and what proposals are in hand to improve such weapons, in the light of the advanced types operated by other armed forces;

(2) if he is satisfied with the size and efficiency of the surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs) currently operated by the British Armed Forces; and what proposals are in hand to improve such systems, in the light of the advanced types operated by other armed forces.

Mr. Mason

Yes. Our forces have a range of anti-tank weapons and surface-to-air missile systems well suited to their needs. New equipments are under consideration or in development. For example, the long-range anti-tank guided weapon, Swingfire, is under further development for mounting on vehicles other than armoured personnel carriers and Ferret scout cars. Sea Dart and Sea Wolf—medium- and short-range surface-to-air guided weapons systems respectively, for ships—and Blowpipe, a very low-level surface-to-air guided weapon for Army use, have reached an advanced stage of development.

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