§ 54. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the performance of RAF Buccaneer squadrons from RAF Honington, Suffolk, and RAF Germany, in the recently completed Red Flag strike exercises in the United States of America.
§ Mr. WellbelovedBuccaneer and Jaguar aircraft from RAF Strike Command and RAF Germany are currently training at the USAF red flag facility in Nevada which provides a unique simulation of air and ground defences. RAF participation in this training is planned to continue until the middle of this month and I am therefore unable to make a comprehensive statement on its outcome. There is, however, no doubt that this is364W most valuable training. RAF particpation last year demonstrated the effectiveness of our low level penetration tactics and the great importance of realistic training in them.